Reference & Instruction Librarian
What is Zotero?
Zotero is a free, open source research management tool that you can use to easily collect and organize information about your sources. Zotero can automatically collect metadata such as a resource's type, title, author, and other important information for citations. It can also capture online PDFs and store them as an attachment. Then, you can sort your sources into separate folders, and even share them with other users. Zotero can also create citations and references directly inside Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice.
This guide offers a quick introduction to installing and using Zotero on the web and desktop applications and as a plugin on search engines and word processing programs. For further help with Zotero, use one of these resources:
- Zotero DocumentationZotero's online guide for getting started and using the software.
- Knowledge BaseAnswers to frequently asked questions.
- Zotero ForumsThese forums allow Zotero users to ask each other for help. The software developers also use the forums to interact with users and share news.
Installing Zotero
- Zotero WebRegister for a free account to use Zotero's web version. You can also connect the web and desktop versions by signing in with your account to access the same resources on both.
- Download ZoteroDownload Zotero for macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS. This page also links to the Zotero Connector pages for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
If you are using a BGSU device, you can also download Zotero from the ITS Software Center applications.
- Installation InstructionsInstructions for installing Zotero on Windows, Mac, and Linux. For Mac and Windows, installing Zotero is easy and the same as for any basic software.
- Zotero System RequirementsIf your Zotero download isn't working, check the system requirements for each version of Zotero.
- Word Processor PluginsThe word processor plugins are bundled with Zotero and should be installed automatically for each supported word processor on your computer when you first start Zotero. For more assistance, you can review this page.
Other Zotero Resources
- Zotero Guide (University of Illinois)UIUC Library's detailed Zotero guide includes instructions on how to use the software and comparisons to other citation managers.