Zotero

Collecting, organizing, and citing your references

About the Zotero Program

Zotero requires that you install two different applications on each computer you use for research:

  • the standalone Zotero program itself
    • includes the word processor integration for Microsoft Word or Libre Office.
  • the browser connector that works with Firefox, Chrome ,Safari, or Edge
    • includes the word processor plugin for Google Docs

Download and install Zotero just as you would any other program. You will also need to install the Connectors to allow your browser to save items to your Zotero library.

Installing the Zotero Client

Zotero download buttonZotero will run on any operating system. Installation only takes a few seconds but you must install Zotero on every computer that you are using for your research.

To install

  1. Go to http://www.zotero.org/ and click the red "Download" button.
     
  2. Choose the Zotero for your operating system; it should detect your operating system automatically.

    Zotero client app in Mac Apps folder
  3. Save the file and install it. The program should now show up in your list of installed applications.
     

If you have any problems, check the Zotero installation page.

Plugins for  Microsoft Word and the Libre / OpenOffice are included in the standalone install. These allow you to easily cite items from your Zotero library in your papers.

Installing the Browser Connector

Zotero Connector InstallBe sure to return to the Zotero download page to install the appropriate connector for your browser.

The page will detect the browser you are currently using but you can install connectors for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Edge.

Browser connectors will allow you to add items to your Zotero library automatically while you are viewing them online.

Installing the browser connector will also install the word processing integration for Google Docs.