Welcome to the future of document interaction with ChatPDF-GPT! This innovative tool lets users engage in conversation with PDF documents, powered by the robust LangChain framework and OpenAI’s language models. In this article, we will take you through the steps to set up and use ChatPDF-GPT, ensuring that your experience is smooth and straightforward.
Setting Up ChatPDF-GPT
To get started, follow the instructions carefully to set up ChatPDF-GPT on your local machine.
1. Clone the Project Repository
- Open your terminal and run the following command:
git clone https://github.com/anis-marrouchi/chatpdf-gpt.git
2. Install Dependencies
- Navigate into the project directory:
cd chatpdf-gpt
pnpm install
3. Configure Environment Variables
- Create a `.env` file in the root directory and fill it with your credentials (OpenAI, Pinecone, Supabase) as referenced in the `.env.example` file.
4. Set Up Database Schema
- Generate the database schema using Prisma with these commands:
npx prisma generate
npx prisma migrate dev --name init
5. Start the Server
- Run the following command to start the application:
npm run dev
Engaging with ChatPDF-GPT
Once the server is running, you can begin interacting with your PDF documents. The application allows you to:
- Upload a PDF: Directly upload your PDF document where it will be stored for chat capabilities.
- Chat with PDF: Engage in conversation by asking questions or requesting clarifications based on the document’s content.
- Preview PDF: View the PDF document using a powerful React component.
- List PDFs: Access a list of all your uploaded PDFs stored in the database.
- Delete PDFs: Remove any documents you no longer need.
- Cite Sources: When engaging with the AI, be provided with direct references from the PDF for deeper understanding.
Understanding the Code: An Analogy
Imagine ChatPDF-GPT as a library full of books (PDFs) where a knowledgeable librarian (the AI model) assists you in finding information. Each book is carefully cataloged (stored in Pinecone and Supabase), and when you approach the librarian with a question, they swiftly navigate through the shelves to fetch the information you need. By uploading your own book, you’re inviting the librarian to understand its contents and answer your queries based on what’s inside. Every interaction is enriched by the references the librarian provides, much like citing sources to add authenticity to their answers.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues during installation or usage, try the following:
- Ensure all environment variables are correctly configured in your `.env` file.
- Check if your database is up and running and that you have established a successful connection.
- Validating your API keys for OpenAI, Supabase, and Pinecone can save a lot of headaches.
- Restart the server if you notice any unexpected behavior.
- If you need further assistance, consider engaging with the community or consult the documentation for each integrated service.
For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you should now be equipped to utilize ChatPDF-GPT effectively. The combination of advanced technologies allows for an interactive experience with your PDF documents that is not only efficient but also enjoyable.
At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

