Lit Log

Build your reading log and save any paper (journal, preprint, PDF) to Google Sheets in one click.

Researchers read dozens of papers a week, but keeping track of what you read, what you thought, and where the BibTeX is becomes its own job. Lit Log solves this with one click: open any paper, hit Save, and the full entry lands in your own Google Sheet. Key features 1) Extract metadata automatically from arXiv, publisher pages, and PDF files -- title, authors, year, journal, and DOI filled in without typing. 2) Fetch formatted BibTeX from CrossRef the moment you save, ready to paste directly into LaTeX. 3) Read and take notes without switching apps -- the side panel stays open as you read, letting you log reading status, tags, highlights, and quick notes in the browser, then save everything to Google Sheets in one click. 4) Detect duplicates instantly and load your previous notes when you return to a paper you already logged, so you update the existing entry instead of creating a duplicate. 5) Organize papers across multiple sheet tabs by topics, all within the same spreadsheet. Or Organize papers across multiple google sheets by projects. First-time Setup After installing, right-click the Lit Log icon in your Chrome toolbar and select Options. Click "Create a New Lit Log Sheet" -- a Google sign-in window will appear. Select your account and click Allow. Lit Log will create a formatted sheet in your Google Drive automatically and save the connection. No copying or pasting required. Data and Privacy Lit Log does not have a server. Your data is written directly to a Google Sheet that you own and control. No reading history, notes, or personal information is collected or transmitted to any third party. OAuth is handled entirely by Google. CrossRef receives only the DOI you are looking up. Lit Log is free with no account required beyond Google. Start logging your reading today.