Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Start Here
What items can be stored in Zotero?
What does Zotero do?
Click on the questions to see the answers to these to get started.
Organize
Collect
Where do I download Zotero?
What can I do with items?
How much does Zotero cost?
Cite
Collaborate
How do I install Zotero?
Web vs. Desktop Versions
How do I open Zotero?
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Tags
Collections
The left pane includes My Library, which contains all the items in your library. Right-click on My Library or click on the New Collection button ( ) above the left pane to create a new collection, a folder into which items relating to a specific project or topic can be placed.
Items can be assigned tags. Tags are named by the user. An item can be assigned as many tags as is needed. Tags are added or removed with the tag selector at the bottom of the left pane or through the Tags tab of any item in the right-hand pane.
Organize
Collect
Searches
Saved Searches
Quick searches show items whose metadata, tags, or fulltext content match the search terms and are performed from the Zotero toolbar. Clicking the spyglass icon to the left of the search box opens the Advanced Search window, allowing for more complex or narrow searches.
Cite
Advanced searches can be saved in the left pane They are similar to collections, but will update with new matching items automatically.
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Hover Over Text
Attachments
Notes
Files
Links & Snapshots
Organize
Collect
Capturing Items
Translators
Saving a Web Page
Manually Adding Items
Cite
Single or Multiple Captures
Add Item by Identifier
Feeds
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Word Processing Integration
Citing Items
Zotero's Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs plugins allow users to insert citations directly from their word processing software. In-text citations, footnotes and endnotes are all supported.
Zotero uses Citation Style Language (CSL) to properly format citations in many different bibliographic styles. Zotero supports all the major styles, as well as the specific styles for over 8,000 journals and publishers.
Organize
Collect
Automatic Bibliographies
Manual Bibliographies
Cite
Zotero can also insert citations and bibliographies into any text field or program. Simply drag-and-drop items, use Quick Copy to send citations to the clipboard, or export them directly to a file.
Using the word processor plugins makes it possible to automatically generate a bibliography from the items cited and to switch citation styles for the entire document with the click of a button.
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Groups
Zotero Servers
Syncing
Organize
Collect
Use Zotero on multiple computers with Zotero syncing. Library items and notes are synced through the Zotero servers (unlimited storage), while attachment syncing can use the Zotero servers or your own WebDAV service to sync files such as PDFs, images, or audio/video.
Items synced to the Zotero servers can be accessed online through your zotero.org account. Make copies of your research readily available on zotero.org for readers, the public, and other researchers using My Publications.
Zotero users can create collaborative or interest groups. Shared group libraries make it possible to collaboratively manage research sources and materials, both online and through the Zotero client.
Cite
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Zotero Connector
Zotero Connector is a browser extension that helps you create a bibliographic library with items rich in metadata. It adds a button to your browser which allows to save items with a single click. Zotero Connector is available for Firefox, Chrome and Safari.
Microsoft Edge
Google Chrome
Organize
Collect
Adding Items
After installing the Connector a Zotero button will be added to your browser. Clicking the button will save the currently open website into your Zotero library. The saving workflow has three steps:
Cite
Select a collection in Zotero.
The item is saved into your library.
Click the Connector button.
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Is the Zotero web library the same as the Zotero desktop app?
The Zotero desktop app is the primary way of using Zotero and offers complete functionality. When people talk about “Zotero”, they're almost always referring to the desktop app. The Zotero web library is a complementary tool for accessing your Zotero data when you're away from your main computer or using a platform that can't run Zotero (locked-down institutional computers, some Chromebooks, etc.). The web library also allows you to share a Zotero library publicly with people who might not use Zotero.
https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/web_vs_desktop
What can I do with items in Zotero?
Items appear in Zotero's center pane. The metadata for that item is shown in the right pane. This includes titles, creators, publishers, dates, page numbers, and any other data needed to cite the item.
https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
How do I install Zotero?
Mac
- Open the .dmg you downloaded and drag Zotero to the Applications folder.
- You can then run Zotero from Spotlight, Launchpad, or the Applications folder and add it to your Dock like any other program.
- After installing Zotero, you can eject and delete the .dmg file.
Windows
- Run the setup program you downloaded.
https://www.zotero.org/support/installation#:~:text=Where%20do%20I,program%20you%20downloaded.
What does Zotero do?
Zotero is, at the most basic level, a reference manager. It is designed to store, manage, and cite bibliographic references, such as books and articles. In Zotero, each of these references constitutes an item. More broadly, Zotero is a powerful tool for collecting and organizing research information and sources.
https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
What items can be stored in Zotero?
Every item contains different metadata, depending on what type it is. Items can be everything from books, articles, and reports to web pages, artwork, films, letters, manuscripts, sound recordings, bills, cases, or statutes, among many others.
https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
How much does Zotero cost?
Real-World Example
- I currently have 163 items in personal collections and 230 in groups I own.
- Total saved: 393 items, which use about 300 MB.
When Upgrades Make Sense
- I eventually upgraded to 2 GB of storage for $20 per year, but only after about 18 months of steady use.
- If you regularly delete or archive items you no longer need, you may be fine on the free tier indefinitely.
- If you are more of a saver than a sorter, the paid plan is inexpensive peace of mind.
Storage Plans
The platform uses tiered plans.Only your personal collections and any groups you own count toward your storage limit. Groups you do not own do not count.
https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
Zotero Quick Start
Megan Zara
Created on September 18, 2025
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Transcript
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Start Here
What items can be stored in Zotero?
What does Zotero do?
Click on the questions to see the answers to these to get started.
Organize
Collect
Where do I download Zotero?
What can I do with items?
How much does Zotero cost?
Cite
Collaborate
How do I install Zotero?
Web vs. Desktop Versions
How do I open Zotero?
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Tags
Collections
The left pane includes My Library, which contains all the items in your library. Right-click on My Library or click on the New Collection button ( ) above the left pane to create a new collection, a folder into which items relating to a specific project or topic can be placed.
Items can be assigned tags. Tags are named by the user. An item can be assigned as many tags as is needed. Tags are added or removed with the tag selector at the bottom of the left pane or through the Tags tab of any item in the right-hand pane.
Organize
Collect
Searches
Saved Searches
Quick searches show items whose metadata, tags, or fulltext content match the search terms and are performed from the Zotero toolbar. Clicking the spyglass icon to the left of the search box opens the Advanced Search window, allowing for more complex or narrow searches.
Cite
Advanced searches can be saved in the left pane They are similar to collections, but will update with new matching items automatically.
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Hover Over Text
Attachments
Notes
Files
Links & Snapshots
Organize
Collect
Capturing Items
Translators
Saving a Web Page
Manually Adding Items
Cite
Single or Multiple Captures
Add Item by Identifier
Feeds
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Word Processing Integration
Citing Items
Zotero's Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs plugins allow users to insert citations directly from their word processing software. In-text citations, footnotes and endnotes are all supported.
Zotero uses Citation Style Language (CSL) to properly format citations in many different bibliographic styles. Zotero supports all the major styles, as well as the specific styles for over 8,000 journals and publishers.
Organize
Collect
Automatic Bibliographies
Manual Bibliographies
Cite
Zotero can also insert citations and bibliographies into any text field or program. Simply drag-and-drop items, use Quick Copy to send citations to the clipboard, or export them directly to a file.
Using the word processor plugins makes it possible to automatically generate a bibliography from the items cited and to switch citation styles for the entire document with the click of a button.
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Groups
Zotero Servers
Syncing
Organize
Collect
Use Zotero on multiple computers with Zotero syncing. Library items and notes are synced through the Zotero servers (unlimited storage), while attachment syncing can use the Zotero servers or your own WebDAV service to sync files such as PDFs, images, or audio/video.
Items synced to the Zotero servers can be accessed online through your zotero.org account. Make copies of your research readily available on zotero.org for readers, the public, and other researchers using My Publications.
Zotero users can create collaborative or interest groups. Shared group libraries make it possible to collaboratively manage research sources and materials, both online and through the Zotero client.
Cite
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Zotero Quick Start
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
This interactive resource is a reformatted version of Zotero’s Quick Start Guide (Zotero, n.d.), created to present the same information in a different format for ease of use.
Getting Started
Zotero Connector
Zotero Connector is a browser extension that helps you create a bibliographic library with items rich in metadata. It adds a button to your browser which allows to save items with a single click. Zotero Connector is available for Firefox, Chrome and Safari. Microsoft Edge Google Chrome
Organize
Collect
Adding Items
After installing the Connector a Zotero button will be added to your browser. Clicking the button will save the currently open website into your Zotero library. The saving workflow has three steps:
Cite
Select a collection in Zotero.
The item is saved into your library.
Click the Connector button.
Collaborate
Zotero Connector
Is the Zotero web library the same as the Zotero desktop app?
The Zotero desktop app is the primary way of using Zotero and offers complete functionality. When people talk about “Zotero”, they're almost always referring to the desktop app. The Zotero web library is a complementary tool for accessing your Zotero data when you're away from your main computer or using a platform that can't run Zotero (locked-down institutional computers, some Chromebooks, etc.). The web library also allows you to share a Zotero library publicly with people who might not use Zotero.
https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/web_vs_desktop
What can I do with items in Zotero?
Items appear in Zotero's center pane. The metadata for that item is shown in the right pane. This includes titles, creators, publishers, dates, page numbers, and any other data needed to cite the item.
https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
How do I install Zotero?
Mac
Windows
https://www.zotero.org/support/installation#:~:text=Where%20do%20I,program%20you%20downloaded.
What does Zotero do?
Zotero is, at the most basic level, a reference manager. It is designed to store, manage, and cite bibliographic references, such as books and articles. In Zotero, each of these references constitutes an item. More broadly, Zotero is a powerful tool for collecting and organizing research information and sources.
https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
What items can be stored in Zotero?
Every item contains different metadata, depending on what type it is. Items can be everything from books, articles, and reports to web pages, artwork, films, letters, manuscripts, sound recordings, bills, cases, or statutes, among many others.
https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
How much does Zotero cost?
Real-World Example
When Upgrades Make Sense
Storage Plans
The platform uses tiered plans.Only your personal collections and any groups you own count toward your storage limit. Groups you do not own do not count.
https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide