# Gemini Reader

> Understand local non-text files (PDF, video, audio) using Gemini API. Use when the user asks to read, summarize, or analyze a PDF document, video file (mp4/mov/webm), or audio file (mp3/wav/m4a/ogg), including audio transcription. NOT for images — the main model already has vision capabilities, prefer using it directly for image understanding.

- Skill: `johnalbertini14-glitch/gemini-reader` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add johnalbertini14-glitch/gemini-reader`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/johnalbertini14-glitch/gemini-reader/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: johnalbertini14-glitch (https://skillmd.com/u/johnalbertini14-glitch)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/johnalbertini14-glitch/gemini-reader

---


# Gemini Reader

Analyze local PDF, video, and audio files via Gemini API (Python SDK `google-genai`).

## Prerequisites

- `google-genai` Python package installed (`pip install google-genai`)
- `GEMINI_API_KEY` environment variable set
- Supported: PDF, video (mp4/webm/mov/avi/mkv), audio (mp3/wav/m4a/ogg)

## Usage

```bash
python3 scripts/gemini_read.py <file> "<prompt>" [--model MODEL] [--output PATH]
```

### Examples

```bash
# Summarize a PDF
python3 scripts/gemini_read.py paper.pdf "用中文总结这篇论文的主要内容"

# Analyze a video
python3 scripts/gemini_read.py lecture.mp4 "列出这个视频的关键要点"

# Transcribe audio
python3 scripts/gemini_read.py recording.m4a "转录这段音频的内容"

# Save output to file
python3 scripts/gemini_read.py report.pdf "提取所有数据表格" --output tables.txt
```

### Model selection

| Alias | Full name | Best for |
|-------|-----------|----------|
| `3-flash` (default) | gemini-3-flash-preview | Fast, cheap, everyday use |
| `2.5-flash` | gemini-2.5-flash | Stable, good balance |
| `2.5-pro` | gemini-2.5-pro | Deep analysis, long docs |
| `3-pro` | gemini-3-pro-preview | Advanced reasoning |
| `3.1-pro` | gemini-3.1-pro-preview | Latest pro capabilities |

Use alias with `-m`: `gemini_read.py file.pdf "prompt" -m 2.5-pro`

## Notes

- All files go through File Upload API (upload → generate → cleanup), unified flow regardless of size
- For files on remote nodes (e.g. Mac), transfer to VM first using Tailscale or scp
- The script auto-detects MIME type from file extension
- API calls are direct — no sandbox restrictions, no CLI overhead
- Requires `GEMINI_API_KEY` env var or `google-genai` configured auth