> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rapidreader.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Adding Content

> Import text, PDFs, EPUBs, Markdown, URLs, and more into Rapid Reader

Getting content into Rapid Reader is quick and flexible. Upload files, paste text, pull in articles by URL, subscribe to RSS feeds, or push content from AI tools via the MCP server.

## Paste Text

The fastest way to add content is to paste it directly. This works everywhere - web, desktop, and mobile.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Copy Your Text">
    Select and copy text from any source - a web page, document, email, or note.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste into Rapid Reader">
    With the app open, paste using **Cmd+V** (Mac) or **Ctrl+V** (Windows), or right-click and select **Paste**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Reading">
    Your text appears as a new read in your library. Press **Space** to begin.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  **Automatic titles**: The first line of pasted text becomes the title of your read. For cleaner organization, make sure your first line is descriptive.
</Info>

## Upload Files

Rapid Reader supports **PDF**, **EPUB**, and **Markdown** files for longer-form reading.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Drag and Drop">
    Drag any PDF, EPUB, or Markdown file directly onto the app window. The file is processed and added to your library automatically.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="File Menu">
    On desktop, use **File > Open** or press **Cmd+O** (Mac) / **Ctrl+O** (Windows) to browse and select a file.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Library">
    Click the **Add** button in your library and select **Upload File** to choose a file from your device.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Warning>
  **PDFs must be text-based**. Scanned documents or image-based PDFs cannot be read because there is no extractable text. If a PDF fails to load, try opening it in a PDF reader first - if you can select and copy text, it should work in Rapid Reader. For scanned documents, use OCR software first to convert images to text.
</Warning>

### File Format Notes

| Format       | Behavior                                                                         |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **PDF**      | Text is extracted from all pages and combined into a single continuous read      |
| **EPUB**     | Chapters are preserved for navigation and merged in order for seamless reading   |
| **Markdown** | Headers are extracted as chapters. Formatting is stripped for clean RSVP display |

## Import from URL

Paste a URL to extract article text from any web page. Rapid Reader pulls the main content and discards navigation, ads, and other clutter.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Add">
    Open the add panel with the **+** button or press **N**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste the URL">
    Enter the full URL of the article or page you want to read.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Extract and Read">
    The article text is extracted and added to your library with the page title preserved.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## RSS & Atom Feeds

Subscribe to RSS or Atom feeds to have new articles delivered to your library automatically.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Feed Settings">
    Go to **Preferences > Library** to manage your feed subscriptions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a Feed URL">
    Paste the RSS or Atom feed URL. The feed is validated and its articles are listed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Import Mode">
    * **Auto import** — New articles are added to your library as they appear
    * **Manual import** — Articles are listed but you choose which ones to add
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Raindrop.io Integration

Connect your [Raindrop.io](https://raindrop.io) account to pull in saved articles from your bookmarks.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open App Settings">
    Go to **Preferences > Apps** and find the Raindrop.io section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect Your Account">
    Follow the authorization flow to link your Raindrop.io account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Import Saved Articles">
    Your saved Raindrop bookmarks become available to import into your reading library.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Platform-Specific Methods

Different platforms offer additional ways to get content into Rapid Reader.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Mobile">
    **iOS and Android** support the native share sheet:

    1. In Safari, Notes, or any app, tap the **Share** button
    2. Select **Rapid Reader** from the share options
    3. Content opens directly in the app

    This works for articles, selected text, notes, and more.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Chrome Extension">
    The browser extension adds instant capture:

    * **Right-click** selected text and choose **Read with Rapid Reader**
    * Use **Cmd+Shift+R** (Mac) or **Ctrl+Shift+R** (Windows) to read selected text
    * Use **Cmd+Shift+E** (Mac) or **Ctrl+Shift+E** (Windows) to read the entire page
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Raycast">
    For Mac users with Raycast:

    * Copy text to your clipboard
    * Run the **Read Clipboard** command
    * Reading begins automatically
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="MCP Server">
    Send content to Rapid Reader from **Claude Desktop** and other MCP-compatible AI tools:

    1. Generate an API key in **Preferences > Apps**
    2. Configure the MCP server in your AI tool (see [Integrations](/using/integrations))
    3. Content is pushed to your cloud inbox and syncs to the app

    This requires a Pro account with cloud sync enabled.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Reading & Playback" icon="play" href="/using/reading-playback">
    Learn how to control speed, navigate, and customize your reading experience
  </Card>

  <Card title="Integrations" icon="plug" href="/using/integrations">
    Set up MCP server, RSS feeds, and Raindrop.io
  </Card>
</CardGroup>