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Zotero: Installing Zotero

A quick introduction to Zotero, including installation, organizing your library, exporting citations, and in-text citing

Downloading & Installing Zotero

Downloading

Zotero is compatible with Windows and Mac

To download the software visit Zotero's website and choose the option that matches your operating system

Installing

  • 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. A desktop shortcut should appear after set up is complete or you can create one.
  • Linux

32- and 64-bit options.

Zotero Plugins

Zotero Connector

Zotero Connector allows you to save citations and associated PDFs while browsing online or searching library databases, PubMed, or Google Scholar.

Along with installing the desktop software, you will want to also install or enable Zotero Connector on your preferred web browser(s). The program should prompt you to install the extension that is appropriate for the browser you used to originally download Zotero. However, if you use multiple browsers, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefix, or if you will be using multiple computers be sure to install the plugin on all relevant browsers.

Microsoft Word 

The the plugin for Microsoft Word is bundled with Zotero, which means that when you download Zotero it should also install a plugin on you MS Word program. 

When you open Word it should appear as a tab on your toolbar, as show in the image below.

Image highlighting where the Zotero tab can be found on the right hand side of the Microsoft Word toolbar.

***If the plugin is not installed on Word, visit this support page from Zotero.

 

Google Docs

If you have a Zotero Connector installed on your browser it will also install Zotero menu to the Google Docs interface, as shown in the image below.

Image highlighting where the Zotero tab can be found on the right hand side of the Google Docs toolbar.

 

Also, there is a one-click citing button, as shown in the image below.

Image highlighting where the Zotero tab can be found on the right hand side of the Google Docs toolbar

 

NOTE: There are limitations regarding sharing Google Docs while using Zotero. Please read this help guide.

***If the plugin is not working try troubleshooting here.

 

Updating Zotero

Zotero should run periodic checks and update itself.

However, you can also check for updates manually by going to Help > Check for Updates

Need Help?

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