Extract text from PDF documents so AI agents and desktop apps can read and process the file content directly.
Reads and extracts text from a PDF document (.pdf file).
This tool declares no required parameters. Add optional parameters from the input schema as needed.
{
"id": 1,
"jsonrpc": "2.0",
"method": "tools/call",
"params": {
"arguments": {},
"name": "pdf_read"
}
}| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No arguments | |||
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v3.0.352v3.0.341v3.0.165v0.1.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the core function (read/extract text) but omits important details such as whether it handles scanned PDFs, encryption, or what the return format is. No side effects or limitations are mentioned, leaving significant behavioral ambiguity.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that is direct and front-loaded with the action and resource. Every word earns its place, with no fluff or repetition. It achieves maximum clarity in minimal space.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a zero-parameter tool with no output schema, the description is minimally sufficient: it identifies what the tool processes and what it produces (text). However, it lacks details about return structure, error cases, or supported PDF variants. Given its simplicity, more context would improve usability but is not strictly required.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has zero parameters, so the baseline is 4. The description adds no parameter-specific detail, but none is needed since the tool takes no arguments. The description confirms it operates on a PDF document by name, which is the only relevant semantic context.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action (reads and extracts text) and the target resource (a PDF document). It distinguishes this tool from siblings like file_read or gdrive_read_file by specifying the PDF file type, making its purpose unambiguous.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention prerequisites, limitations, or compare with other file-reading tools. Users are left to infer that this is the PDF-specific reader, but no explicit usage context is given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.