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Zotero

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Zotero How-To

Zotero a free, open-source citation management tool that allows users to track and manage citations.

For additional questions on Mendeley, please contact the subject specialist listed on this guide.

Subject Specialist

James Sobczak
STEM Librarian
Learning & Research Services
 
Email: jsobczak@miami.edu
Appointment:  jsobczak.youcanbook.me
Call: 305.284.4059

Pronouns: He | Him | His
To utilize Zotero to its fullest, it is best to set up Zotero's three main components in the following order:

1) Personal Zotero Account → 2) Desktop Application → 3) Browser Extension or Bookmarklet

 
1) Personal Zotero Account
In order to sync and backup your references and documents for anywhere using an internet connection, it is best practices to create an account with Zotero. Zotero's free account allows for 300 MB of storage with the option to purchase additional storage space via tiered pricing plans.

• Create an account at
https://www.zotero.org/user/register
(though not required, it is preferable to register your account with your miami.edu email address.)
 
2) Desktop Application
Installing the Zotero desktop application will allow Zotero to integrate into your existing word processing applications (supports Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer). Some users also find it easier to organize your references and documents in the desktop application instead of through the web portal.

• Download the application at:
https://www.zotero.org/download
(supports Windows, macOS, and Linux)
 
3) Browser Extension / Bookmarklet
Browser Extension (preferred option)
The Zotero Connector browser extension allows Zotero to capture references and documents directly from your browser.

• Download the application at:
https://www.zotero.org/download/
(supports Chome, Firefox, and Safari)

Bookmarklet
There is also the option of using a Bookmarklet if you use an unsupported browser or would prefer not to install an extension.

• Download the application at:
https://www.zotero.org/download/bookmarklet
In order to properly sync and manage all of your items and references, it is necessary to set up a Zotero account.
Linking Zotero Account
1. Open Zotero desktop application
2. Go to: Edit (in Windows) > Preferences 

3. Go to Syn Menu and enter your Zotero username and password 

4. If you already have resources saved to your Zotero account, they should begin to appear 
Tips
• Use the green refresh arrow () in the upper right corner to force sync 
You can easily migrate your existing collection of references into Zotero.
Import References by File
1. Open Zotero desktop application
2. Go to: File (in Windows) > Import

3. Select the "A File" option and click Next

4. Find your file and click Open
5. Select your prefered options (defaults are usually fine)

6. Once items finish importing, click Finish
Tips
• Zotero supportes the following files types: 
There are a variety of ways to add references and items to Zotero. Below are just a few examples.
With Zotero Connector
Note:
In order to use Zotero Connector, must do one of the following have Zotero Desktop application open before making your selection.

1. Find an online resource you want to cite
2. Click on the Zotero Connector icon in your browser (this icon will change depending on the type of resource - article , video , website , etc.)

3. If you get the following error message you need to open the Zotero Desktop application (or select the "Enable Saving to Online Library" option  which will open another window/tab and require you to log in to your Zotero account) 

4. Select the collection folder in Zotero where you would like to save the reference

5. Item will appear in you Zotero Desktop application

 
Manually Entering Items
1. Click the green plus icon () in Zotero desktop and select the type of item you want to add

2. Fill in the required fields with the item pane on the right
By Unique Object Identifier
If your. item has a unique object Identifier (ISBN. DOI, PMID, arXiv ID) you can add the reference automatically.
1. Click the wand icon () in Zotero desktop

2. Enter the unique identification number

3. Item will appear in you Zotero Desktop application
Once you have a list of references, you can easily add them to your documents in the form of citations and bibliographies.
Below are some examples of how to do this.
Using Copy & Paste
To create a simple bibliography or citation:
1. Select all item you want to include within Zotero

2. Right-click anywhere on the item and select "Create Bibliography from Items..."

3. Select your citation style (e.g. APA), your mode (e.g. Bibliography or in-text Citation), and method (e.g. Copy to Clipboard)

4. Open your word processor of choice and press Ctrl+V

 
Using Microsoft Word Plugin
When Zotero is first installed, it automatically creates a Microsoft Word plugin. This plugin should appear in the menu bar.

This plugin adds a number of tools to the ribbon.


 
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Question regarding Zotero

 

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add an attachment to a reference?
The easiest way is to simply drag and drop the file onto the reference. The reference will now have a drop-down arrow () and a blue attachment indicator dot ().


Where does Zotero store my PDFs?
Zotero stores all data in its Data Directory. More information can be found here (https://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data) regarding the Data Directory and locations on various operating systems. PDFs are located in the "Storage" folder within randomly named folders. To better organize and rename reference attachment files, you will need to make use of other Zotero plugins, such as ZotFile, but this might affect Zotero's ability to sync with your cloud account.

 

 

Video Resources
Youtube Video Series
by Nicholas Cifuentes-Goodbody
(created with Zotero v4.0 but still very helpful)

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