Readwise Reader
Set up Readwise Reader as one inbox for things you need to read
Reader gathers articles, newsletters, PDFs and more into one place where you can highlight. Start with a small import and one capture habit.
Written from the tool's official pages, listed under Official sources at the end of this guide. Check them for current features, limits and terms.
Try it (opens in a new tab)Steps to try
- Read the official 'What is Readwise Reader?' page and pick one source to start with: a read-later export, an RSS feed or your open browser tabs.
- Import existing content from a service such as Pocket, Instapaper or Feedly, but only a small batch at first so the library stays manageable.
- Choose one capture method you will really use: the browser extension, the mobile share sheet or drag-and-drop file upload for PDFs.
- Read one item and highlight only the passages you might cite or reuse; add a short note in your own words on why each matters.
- Open the Filtering docs and create one filtered view, for example unread items from the last week, so the inbox does not become a backlog.
- Try Ghostreader summaries or text-to-speech only on non-sensitive material, and check anything you plan to quote against the original text.
Limitations
Reader is a reading and annotation tool, not a source of verified facts. AI summaries can omit or distort detail, so go back to the original. Features and supported content types may differ by platform; the docs list the current options. A big import without a filing habit just moves the pile.
Pricing
Reader is part of the Readwise platform; the official site sets current plans, trials and what is included. We have not confirmed these, so check there before depending on it.
Privacy and data
Importing saves your reading list, highlights and notes to the provider's service, and they sync to your Readwise library. Avoid uploading confidential client documents, unpublished work or personal records unless the provider's privacy terms and your organisation's rules allow it. Public sharing of annotated documents is an option; check what is public before you send a link.
About the sources
Based on the vendor's published documentation, not hands-on testing. Menu names and features may differ.
Alternatives
Browser bookmarks plus a notes app cover light reading. Other read-later and reference managers exist; trial two with the same ten saved items before switching.
Official sources
The official pages this guide was written from. Read them for current features, limits and terms.