Opening a PDF without signing in

Read a PDF from your device in Rectoly without adding it to Mendeley or Zotero. It stays on this device only, and no account is needed.

Applies to Mendeley and Zotero editions Windows · Mac · iPad Partly included in the purchase

Open a PDF

Mac · iPadIn the library, choose … › Open a PDF… or press ⌘O. You can also drag a PDF from Finder or the Files app onto the window ("Drop a PDF to open it"), or send it to Rectoly from another app.
WindowsClick Open file in the top bar or press Ctrl+O. You can also drag a PDF from File Explorer onto the window ("Drop a PDF to open it").

The PDF opens in the reader with all its tools. It is not added to Mendeley or Zotero, and it doesn't need an account.

Opening a new PDF this way is included in the purchase. It is free during the 14-day trial. Reopening a PDF you have already opened is always free. See Trial and purchase.

Open it again later

PDFs you have opened are listed so you can reopen them for free:

Mac · iPadOn this device in the library.
WindowsOn this PC in the library.

WindowsOn this PC also has Try the sample paper.

Things to know

Highlights, sticky notes and handwriting on a local PDF stay on this device. To keep them with your library and see them on your other devices, add the PDF to Mendeley or Zotero instead. See Adding a PDF to Mendeley or Zotero.
Mac · iPadDropping a PDF onto a paper you are reading replaces that paper with the new one.
WindowsDropping a Word document or a text note (rather than a PDF) opens it beside the paper. See A document beside the paper.
To keep a copy of the notes you made on a local PDF, export them. See Export and sending notes.