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Zotero: A Sources and Citation Management System: Zotero Quick Start

A guide to installing and adding Zotero, including a variety of outside resources to help.

Zotero (pronounced "zoh-TAIR-oh") is a software application that collects, manages, and cites research sources. It's easy to use, connects with your web browser to download sources, and is free!

Zotero allows you to attach PDFs, add notes and images to your citations, organize collections for different projects, and create bibliographies in thousands of citation styles.

The four parts of Zotero are:

Zotero Application

1. Zotero Application

Functions: The main Zotero software application for storing, organizing, and annotating sources; then creating bibliographies in thousands of styles. Available for PC, Mac, and Linux.

Zotero Connector

2. Zotero Browser Connector

Functions: Quick add items to your collection right from your browser. Available for Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

Zotero in MS Word

3. Zotero word-processor plug-ins

Functions: add Zotero citations in Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs

Zotero Web Account

4. Zotero Web Access

Functions: Backup access to collection, create groups, upgrade storage

Zotero Installation

Downloading Software + Extension

Follow the below steps in sequence for the best results

  1. Close and Exit Microsoft Word
  2. Navigate to Zotero.org/download
  3. Start LEFT and "Download Zotero for [your system]"
  4. Next, "Install [your Browser] Connector"
  5. If using MS Word, open the program and verify the Zotero menu appears in the commands ribbon.

Notes:

  • Before downloading, close MS Word so the word processor plug-in gets added. After installation, if the Zotero menu does not appear in Word, go to the Zotero app at Edit > Settings > Cite > Word Processors > "Reinstall Microsoft Word Add-In"
  • The Zotero page will sense your current software. If you want a different version, scroll down and click "Other versions"
  • The connector is available for Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari (enabled via Safari Settings > Extensions).

Zotero for Mobile Devices

Zotero apps are now available for both Android and iOS via the relevant stores.

Zotero for iOS or Android

Setting up a Zotero Account

After you install the Zotero software and Connector(s), you need to set up your preferences to allow for syncing and cloud storage of your citations.

Register for a free Zotero account

  • Why? A Zotero account lets you sync sources online as an emergency backup and to access them across your devices.
  • Where? Register on the Zotero website under Log in / Register
  • When? Do this during initial setup so you do not forget. Many researchers have lost entire collections of sources when their devices crashed.

Sync your Software and Account

  1. Return to the Zotero desktop software
  2. Find the settings or preferences menu (varies by hardware). Usually: Edit > Settings
  3. Select "Sync" in the settings menu
  4. Enter your Zotero web account credentials. TIP: select both "Sync Automatically" and "Sync Full-Text Content"
  5. If you want to access attached files remotely, select "Sync attachment files in My Library using Zotero." NOTE: Zotero gives users 300MB of free storage, with more available for purchase on their site. Based on average PDF sizes, Zotero's free version holds around 1000 PDFs.

Zotero logo

Click the above image and:

  1. Download the Zotero application
  2. Install a connector for your browser.