What is Zotero?
Zotero (zoh-TAIR-oh) is a free downloadable citation management tool that helps you gather, manage, cite, and share your research sources.
Use Zotero to:
- Store and organize references
- Easily capture citation information from web pages and databases
- Generate bibliographies
- Use with Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice to create citations and bibliographies
Download Zotero (Zotero 7.0 now available)
See Zotero support, including hints on adding items, organizing your library, creating bibliographies, syncing materials, and helpful tips and tricks.
Basic Zotero Setup
To get started with Zotero, complete the following 5 steps:
- Register for a free Zotero account.
- Download Zotero 7.0 AND a Zotero browser connector.
- Activate/pin your browser connector.
- In Safari:
- Open Safari, after you have downloaded the Zotero app.
- On the top menu, click Safari → Preferences.
- In the Preferences dialog box, select Extensions.
- Check the box next to Zotero to activate extension.
- In Chrome:
- Open Chrome, after you have enabled the Zotero plugin for Chrome.
- Click the puzzle piece icon near your address bar.
- Click the pin next to Zotero to easily access the plugin in the Chrome menu bar.
- In Safari:
- Set up Sync.
- Important: Input your Zotero username and password (what you created on www.zotero.org).
- Ensure Word plugin, included automatically with Zotero download, is working optimally. It should have downloaded automatically. If you don't see the Zotero menu in Word, try quitting and restarting Word. If issues persist, review Zotero's troubleshooting guide.
Troubleshooting Zotero
Having a problem setting up or using Zotero? Review Zotero's Getting Help page and/or review the Zotero Forum.
Still need help? Email library@wlu.edu, jump on the library's chat service, or submit an asynchronous ticket if the service is not currently staffed.