Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the PDF Reader MCP Server? A: It’s a Node.js/TypeScript server that allows AI agents to securely read PDF files (local or URL) and extract text, metadata, or page counts within the UBOS ecosystem.

Q: What is an MCP Server? A: MCP (Model Context Protocol) server acts as a bridge, allowing AI models to access and interact with external data sources and tools.

Q: How does the PDF Reader MCP Server enhance security? A: It confines file access strictly to the project root directory, preventing unauthorized access.

Q: What file sources does it support? A: It handles both local relative paths and public URLs.

Q: What information can be extracted from PDFs? A: The server can extract full text, specific pages, metadata (author, title, etc.), and page count.

Q: How is the extracted data formatted? A: The data is returned in a predictable JSON format, easy for AI agents to parse.

Q: How can I install the server? A: You can install it using npm, Docker, or by building it locally.

Q: What is the recommended installation method? A: Using npm is generally recommended.

Q: Does the server support processing multiple PDF files at once? A: Yes, it can process multiple PDF sources in a single request.

Q: What library is used for PDF parsing? A: It uses pdfjs-dist for reliable parsing.

Q: What is Zod used for? A: Zod is used for input validation to ensure data integrity.

Q: Can the server extract images or annotations? A: Currently, it focuses on text, metadata, and page count. Extraction of images/annotations is a future consideration.

Q: How does this server compare to other PDF extraction methods? A: It provides a secure, integrated MCP interface with structured output, unlike direct file access or external CLI tools.

Q: Where can I find more detailed documentation? A: Visit the Full Documentation Website (Link to be updated upon deployment).