This guide is based on the Citation Management Software - Zotero guide from the University of Oregon Libraries.
This guide has a Creative Commons BY-NC License.
This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon your work non-commercially, and although their new works must also acknowledge you and be non-commercial, they don’t have to license their derivative works on the same terms.
Zotero is a free, open source desktop application that allows you to collect, organize, cite, and share research. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. This guide has information on how to get started with using Zotero, from installing the application and its plugins, to adding sources to your library, to generating in-text citations and reference lists.
Go to www.zotero.org/download to download the Zotero desktop application AND browser extension (Zotero Connector) for your Internet browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). You will need both in order to use Zotero.
Install Zotero:
Download the file from the Zotero website. Once you open the file, a window will pop up. It will state: "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" Select No.
Next the Zotero Setup Wizard will open. Select the Standard setup option and click through to complete installation.
Installing the Zotero Connector:
Firefox and Edge: the Zotero Connector will automatically appear in the toolbar once you have installed it.
Chrome: Once you install the Connector, click on the puzzle piece icon and "pin" the Zotero extension to your toolbar if you want it available at all times. You do not need to be logged into Chrome to install the extension.
Once you have the Zotero desktop application downloaded to your computer, you can set up syncing by creating a Zotero account. Syncing allows you to access your Zotero library from any computer. Zotero provides you with 300 MB of free storage. You can purchase additional storage space on the Zotero website.
1. Click on Preferences under the Edit menu:
2. Click Sync and then Create Account. Once you have created an account, enter your username and password and click Set Up Syncing:
3. Click on the "Sync with zotero.org" icon in the upper right-hand corner to sync your Zotero library:
