README file from
GithubSkim Highlights
Highlight in Skim → auto-copied to clipboard → paste anywhere in your notes. Zero clicks.
How It Works
The plugin polls Skim from within your note-taking app every 1.5 seconds, detecting new highlights. When you highlight text in Skim:
- A markdown card is auto-copied to your clipboard
- Paste with
Cmd+Vinto any note - Click the
📖 pXXlink to jump back to the exact PDF page
Card Format
> [!quote]+ Page 187
> One advantage of functions is the way they separate...
>
> 📖 [p187](file:///tmp/skim_links/p187.command)
Installation
From Community Plugins (Recommended)
- Open Settings → Community Plugins
- Turn off Restricted Mode if prompted
- Click Browse and search for "Skim Highlights"
- Install and Enable
Manual Installation
- Download
main.js,manifest.json, andversions.jsonfrom the latest release - Create a folder:
.obsidian/plugins/skim-highlights/ - Copy the three files into that folder
- Enable the plugin in Settings → Community Plugins
- You should see a 🟢 indicator in the status bar
Requirements
- macOS (uses AppleScript to communicate with Skim)
- Skim PDF Reader installed
- Desktop app (not compatible with mobile)
Usage
| Control | Action |
|---|---|
| Status bar | 🟢 Listening / ⚫ Stopped — click to toggle |
| Ribbon icon | Highlight pen icon — click to toggle |
| Command palette | Skim Highlights: Toggle |
Once enabled, just highlight text in Skim as you normally would. Each new highlight is automatically copied to your clipboard as a formatted markdown card.
First-Time Setup
The first time you click a 📖 pXX link, macOS may prompt you to allow opening the file. Click "Open" to confirm.
License
MIT