Getting started tutorial

Learn how to use Rebuttr to manage your peer review responses from start to finish.

Step 1: Installation

Install Rebuttr and its dependencies. This takes about 2 minutes.

1

Install Dependencies

First, install the OpenCode CLI (required for AI features), then install Rebuttr.

Terminal
# Install OpenCode CLI (required for AI features) $ npm i -g opencode-ai # Install Rebuttr $ npm i -g github:genomewalker/rebuttr # Verify installation $ rebuttr --help
Tip

On macOS, you may need Xcode Command Line Tools. Run xcode-select --install if you see compilation errors.

Step 2: Add Your Paper

Import your reviewer comments into Rebuttr. You can paste text, upload files, or use the CLI.

2

Import Reviews

Launch Rebuttr and add your manuscript with reviewer comments.

Add Paper Interface

Upload your manuscript and reviews to get started

Steps to Add a Paper

  1. Launch Rebuttr: rebuttr
  2. Click "Add Paper" button (top right)
  3. Enter your paper title and metadata
  4. Choose how to import reviews:
    • Paste text: Copy/paste reviewer comments directly
    • Upload file: Drop a PDF, DOCX, or TXT file
    • Import JSON: Use structured JSON format
  5. Click "Process" to parse the reviews
Supported Formats

Rebuttr supports PDF decision letters from journals, DOCX files with reviewer comments, and structured JSON for programmatic import.

Step 3: Process with AI

Let AI analyze your comments and generate expert discussions with potential solutions.

3

AI Analysis

Click "Process Paper" to let the AI analyze each comment and generate responses.

Processing Interface

AI processing analyzes each comment and generates responses

What Happens During Processing

  1. Click the "Process Paper" button in the dashboard
  2. Watch the progress as AI analyzes each comment:
    • Categorizes comment type (major/minor)
    • Identifies key concerns
    • Generates expert panel discussion
    • Creates potential solutions
  3. Processing runs in the background - you can continue working
What the AI Generates

For each comment, you'll get: an expert panel discussion, recommended response, advice to the author, and 2-3 alternative response strategies with different effort levels.

Step 4: Review & Edit Responses

Browse AI-generated responses, select from strategies, and refine your answers.

4

Refine Your Responses

Select from AI-suggested solutions and customize your responses.

Comment Detail View

The Response Builder modal with AI-generated solutions and response editor

Steps to Review Responses

  1. Click any comment to view its detail page
  2. Review the Expert panel discussion for insights
  3. Choose from Potential solutions:
    • Low effort Quick acknowledgment
    • Medium effort Detailed explanation
    • High effort New analysis or revision
  4. Click "Use This" to apply a solution as your draft
  5. Edit the draft response in the text area
  6. Mark as Complete when finalized
Important

Always review and edit AI-generated responses. They are drafts to help you get started, not final answers.

Step 5: Export Your Responses

Generate a formatted document with all your responses, ready for journal submission.

5

Generate Documents

Export your completed responses in various formats.

Export Options

Export your responses as professional documents or data backups

Export Options

  1. Go to the Dashboard view
  2. Click "Export" dropdown
  3. Choose your format:
    • Word Document: Formatted DOCX file
    • Plain Text: Simple TXT file
    • JSON: Structured data for backup
  4. Review the generated document
  5. Submit with your revised manuscript!
Pro Tip

Export to JSON periodically to backup your progress. You can reimport this file to restore your work.

Next Steps

You now know the basics of Rebuttr. Explore these resources to learn more: