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Zotero: Download and Install

Getting Started with Zotero

In order to use all features of Zotero, you must download to your laptop or PC. You may also want to install the Zotero Connector to your favorite browser and to add word processing extensions..

  • The Desktop software, which will run on Windows, Mac or Linux computers, will allow you to easily collect ,organize, and share your references. This software will also allow for advance features like creating timelines and citation mapping. You can find the free software here.

  • The Zotero 'Connector which will allow you to download bibliographic or 'metadata' from the Library catalog, library databases, and web pages. Zotero Connector can also be found here.

  • Finally: install the Zotero Plugin for MS Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice so that you can insert dynamic references into a document. You can find more information about these and other word processing tools here.

Download and Install Zotero

 

1) Download

  1. Go to Zotero's Download page
    • Zotero will detect the operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux) and the browser you are using.
    • Zotero does not work with Chromebooks
  2. Download current version of Zotero and the browser Connector

2) Installation of Browser Connector (Add-on/extension)

  1. Install the Zotero Connector for your browser (Zotero can work with Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge)
  2. Restart your browser after installation
  3. You should see a Zotero icon (a "Z" or a small rectangle) to the right side of your browser toolbar.
    • Please note: The Zotero icon will change depending on the type of 'content' you are looking at.

 

3) Installation of Zotero for Microsoft Word (for other word processor plugins visit here)

  1. Close Microsoft Office Word
  2. Open the download Zotero file
  3. Follow standard installation directions
    • Please note: The Microsoft Word add-in should automatically be installed. If it isn't please see Preferences
  4. Open the Zotero program
  5. Open Microsoft Word. You should see a Zotero icon 

 

Zotero Online Account

To back up or sync your library with other devices you will want to create a Zotero Online account. Just visit Zotero.org and at the top right hand area of the page you should see a Log In link. Click on that link and Register for a free account. Because this account is free you can take it with you wherever you go.. Please see Setting up Preferences to learn how to sync your Zotero library with your online Zotero library.

Need Help

If you need help please contact your Aquinas Librarians Here 

Difference between Desktop and Web version of Zotero

The Desktop application is the primary way of using Zotero and it offers complete functionality. The Web version of your library is a complementary tool for specific situations. The Desktop application allows for integration if Word and LibreOffice, Interaction with file system, access to other servers for things like WebDAV or IP-based file downloading. Below is a list of some of the differences.

  • Local database means everything can be accessed and modified much quicker. Zotero has readily-available "knowledge" about all relevant references, web library only has a subset at a time
  • Ability to work with local file system, e.g. adding PDFs directly from your documents or creating links to files on local drive
  • Word processor plugins enable inserting references and bibliography directly from Zotero
  • Much better experience when saving items from a connector (+ other features)
  • PDF metadata retrieval
  • PDF reader with annotations*
  • Import references from a file or from some other reference managers
  • Publish items into "My Publications"
  • Advanced search and and "find-as-you-type"
  • Ability to work with large number of references. Certain operations, like export or generate bibliography, are limited to a 100 items in web library for technical reasons. Zotero does not have this limit
  • Style editor
  • Custom citation styles
  • Tracking unfilled and duplicate items
  • Ability to create related items
  • More performant UI that natively adapts to the OS
  • Plugin system that allows more features and further customization