Browser connector
Save references and PDFs from Chrome into Avera.
The Avera Connector is a Chrome extension that detects scholarly references on the web and sends them to your desktop library.
Requirements
- Google Chrome (extension is Chrome-focused today)
- Avera desktop app running for imports (except when testing error states)
- Native messaging registered between Chrome and Avera (automatic in production installs)
Install (production)
- Install Avera Connector from the Chrome Web Store when available.
- Install and launch Avera.
- Visit a publisher or database page — a floating Add to Avera banner may appear when references are detected.
Production builds connect through native messaging — no manual port or token.
Install (development / unpacked)
- Chrome → Extensions → enable Developer mode.
- Load unpacked and select the connector extension folder from your Avera install or source tree.
- Copy the 32-character extension ID from
chrome://extensions. - Register the native host (from the app install or dev environment), then reload the extension and launch Avera.
See your install docs for the exact register:native-host command if you build from source.
Using the connector
- Open a page with a DOI or article metadata (PubMed, publisher sites, Google Scholar, and many others).
- Use the floating banner to save, or open the toolbar popup.
- When multiple references exist on one page, pick from the list before importing.
- The toolbar badge shows how many references were detected.
PDF import
The connector can attach PDFs using your browser session — including institutional logins when the PDF is reachable. If PDF capture fails, Avera still imports metadata only.
Batch import
Select multiple DOIs or references in the popup for batch import.
Popup status
| Message | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Connected to Avera. | Ready to import |
| Is Avera running? | Launch the desktop app |
| Connector disabled | Enable the connector in Settings |
Settings in Avera
Open Settings → Browser connector to:
- View native messaging status
- Register native host when needed
- Enable HTTP connector (dev) with port and bearer token for development fallback
After import
The library usually refreshes automatically and may show a toast. See Sync.
Troubleshooting
Connection errors, wrong extension ID, and institutional PDF edge cases: Connector troubleshooting.