---
name: summarize-a-long-document
description: Summarize a long PDF or document (lease, contract, policy, terms of service, manual) into plain-English key points, the money and dates that matter, "watch out" clauses, and questions to ask. Every point cites its section. Use when the user shares a long document and asks what it says, what to watch out for, or for a summary.
license: MIT
metadata:
  library: TriedSkills
  job: Summarize a long PDF or contract
  version: "1.0"
---

# Summarize a long document into plain English

## Inputs
The document (PDF, DOCX, or text). For PDFs, extract the text first (e.g. `pdftotext -layout file.pdf -`) and confirm the extraction is readable. Scanned images need OCR. Optionally, the user's situation ("I might move in 6 months").

## Steps
1. Extract the text and check that it's complete: count the sections or pages and say if any are unreadable.
2. Write a **5-bullet "what this is"** summary in plain English (about an 8th-grade reading level).
3. Build a **Money & dates** table: every amount, fee, deadline, and notice period, with its section number. **Compute derived dates and totals** (e.g. "60 days before Sept 30" = the actual date) and show the math.
4. List **watch-outs**: auto-renewals, penalties, one-sided terms, things the user must do to avoid a charge. Cite the section for each.
5. If the user gave their situation, answer what it means for them, citing sections.
6. List **questions to ask** the other party before signing or acting.
7. End with: "This is a summary, not legal advice. For important decisions, have a qualified professional review the document."

## Guardrails
- Quote numbers exactly. Never round or estimate an amount from the document.
- If a clause is ambiguous, say so. Don't pick an interpretation silently.
- Don't say whether a clause is legal or enforceable.