Curvenote Reader
Overview¶
openRxiv is experimenting with Curvenote Reader, a product by Curvenote, to explore how preprints can become more useful at the point of reading. The experiment layers a web-native reader on top of existing bioRxiv and medRxiv content—without changing how authors submit or how the preprint archive is published.
Instead of downloading PDFs and hunting through references, readers can hover over citations, expand figures, and follow links to related work while staying in the flow of the article.
Hypothesis¶
Preprints are most valuable when readers can move easily from narrative to the evidence behind it—data, code, protocols, and cited work. We hypothesize that a connected reading experience, built on structured content already maintained by the archive, will help readers engage more deeply with preprints and discover related research without extra friction.
How it works¶
Curvenote Reader transforms structured article metadata (for example, JATS XML) into an interactive reading layer on top of the existing preprint. Key capabilities include:
In-context citations — see reference details and open-access links without leaving the article.
Expandable figures — inspect figures and supporting material inline.
Web-native navigation — read in the browser with a layout designed for screens, not print.
The experiment uses an automated handoff from existing archive formats, so it does not require authors or publishers to change submission workflows. Content is served on openRxiv-controlled infrastructure in line with Labs operating principles.
Partner¶
This experiment is run in collaboration with Curvenote, whose mission is to improve how scientific content is authored, shared, and read on the web. Experiment materials and updates are maintained in the curvenote-reader repository on GitHub.
Status and feedback¶
This experiment will launch publicly in early June, stay connected.
The experiment is active. If you try the reader or have feedback on the experience, reach out to hello@openrxiv.org or open an issue in the openRxiv Labs GitHub organization.
Funding¶
This experiment is supported in part by a grant from Alberta Innovates to Curvenote for an international technology partnership with openRxiv. The partnership focuses on connected, web-native reading experiences for preprints.