Skimlane
Skimlane is a private, local-first AI reading assistant delivered as a Chrome extension that automatically processes web pages into structured, reusable summaries using customizable "reading recipes" and selectable models (local or hosted).
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Best for: Chatbots & Assistants
What it does
Chatbots & Assistants software for decision-makers comparing workflow fit and alternatives.
Best fit
Chatbots & Assistants
Pricing snapshot
Free from Free
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Skimlane
Skimlane is a Chrome extension that acts as a private AI reading assistant, automatically processing pages as you browse and converting them into structured views using customizable "reading recipes." It runs locally in the browser without requiring sign-up, storing settings, recipes, history, and saved skims in Chrome storage by default. Users can choose local on-device models (e.g., Chrome Gemini Nano, Ollama) or connect hosted models and keys (OpenAI-compatible endpoints, Anthropic, OpenRouter, Groq) to control where processing occurs and how results are generated. Skimlane is aimed at readers who want faster, repeatable extraction of the important parts of web content—ranging from individual skimming to professional workflows like PM briefs and product intelligence.
A private AI reading assistant for Chrome that processes pages as you browse, with customizable reading recipes, local models, and no sign-up.
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Claim this listing for $29Key Features
Auto Skim
Automatically processes new pages with a default recipe and source; can be turned off or applied with site exclusions.
Customizable Reading Recipes
Create, edit, import, export, and share recipes that define sections, prompts, model choice, and output structure for any reading workflow.
Local-first Storage and Privacy Controls
No sign-up required; settings, recipes, API keys, history, saved skims, and chats are stored in Chrome storage with controls to clear or reset them.
Side Panel Reader
Runs beside browsing in a side panel, keeping the processed result ready to question, save, reopen from history, or export as Markdown.
Model Flexibility and BYOK
Supports on-device models (Chrome Gemini Nano), free local models via Ollama, Groq free cloud tier, or connecting private/self-hosted OpenAI-compatible endpoints and other leading models.
Reusable Outputs
Save useful parts, ask follow-up questions, reopen pages from history, and copy the complete reading artifact as portable Markdown.
Data Deletion & Controls
Clear history, saved skims, snapshots, chats, and reset settings, recipes, prompts, and API keys from Data & Privacy.
Pricing
Skimlane supports free and local options: run on-device Chrome Gemini Nano when available or use free local models (Ollama) and Groq's free cloud tier.
Free / Local Options
Free- Use Chrome Gemini Nano on-device when available
- Use a free local model through Ollama or Groq's free cloud tier
Use Cases
Product intelligence and PM briefs
Use ready-made recipes like "PM Brief" or "Product Intelligence Brief" to extract user impact, product implications, risks, and roadmap relevance from long posts or docs.
Quickly determine article value
Use "Worth Reading?" recipe types to decide what matters, what to skip, and whether a page deserves more time.
Signal cleaning and evidence extraction
Run "Signal Cleaner" or similar recipes to identify unsupported claims, repeated fluff, and the actual bottom line.
Personal reading workflows
Customize recipes for any reading need—notes, briefs, summaries, or decks—and export or reuse them across pages.
Integrations
Chrome (extension)
Skimlane is provided as a Chrome extension that runs in the browser and presents a side panel reader.
OpenAI-compatible endpoints
Allows connecting a private or self-hosted OpenAI-compatible endpoint (BYOK) to run hosted models.
Anthropic
Supports selecting Anthropic models as hosted model options.
Google Gemini (Chrome Gemini Nano)
Supports on-device Chrome Gemini Nano when available for local processing.
Ollama
Supports using a free local model via Ollama.
Groq
Mentions Groq's free cloud tier as an available model option.
OpenRouter
Listed as a selectable model provider/endpoint option.
Benefits
Limitations
Frequently Asked Questions
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Getting Started
- 1 Install the Skimlane Chrome extension (Get Chrome extension) to enable the side-panel reader.
- 2 Choose a ready-made reading recipe or build a custom recipe that selects sections, prompts, and model preferences.
- 3 Start browsing to let Auto Skim process pages, or open the side panel for on-demand skimming; optionally connect a model/API key if you want hosted or private endpoints.
Support
website/links
Privacy policy and Contact links are present on the site (visible on the product page).
extension store
Install via the Chrome extension listing ("Get Chrome extension" link on the site).
API
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