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Zotero: Install & Set up

An overview of the research management tool Zotero

Different Versions of Zotero

Zotero can be installed on your desktop or used online in a web browser.  To use all of the functions the tool offers, it is suggested to download and install the desktop version. 

If you are just looking for a tool to create quick citations, check out Z-bib a simpler citation tool by Zotero.

Creating an Account

To use both the desktop version and web version, you first need to create and an account

  1. Go to the Zotero website, https://www.zotero.org/
  2. Select "Log In" on the top menu
  3. Above the login screen, look for "Register for a free account" and select that
  4. Create and User name and Password
    1. Please note that sometimes it takes a few minutes for your account to activate after you have registered

If you want to use the web version of Zotero, you can log in to your "Web Library" and get started here.  For more information go to the Using Zotero section of this guide

Syncing Zotero

One of the benefits of Zotero is that it will sync your files on your desktop to your web library.  This also allows you to synchronize your research between devices and protects your from loosing your research if a device dies.

Steps for synchronizing your account after you have installed Zotero

  1. Open Zotero's Desktop application
    • For Windows & Linux Users: Edit > Preferences > Sync > Link Account
    • For macOS Users: Zotero > Preferences > Sync > Link Account

Installing Zotero to your Desktop

Installing Zotero allows you to integrate the tool with Microsoft Work, Google Docs and OpenOffice for seemless citations. To fully set this up you need to install Zotero and the Zotero Connector. Zotero Connector works best with Firefox and Chrome Web browsers.

If you are using Safari, Zotero Connector is bundled with the desktop installation, you will now need to enable Zotero Connector from Safari Settings Extensions pane.

  1. Go to the Zotero Download page
  2. First install Zotero using the Download button on the left hand side of the screen.
    1. Follow instructions as the pop up
    2. For additional instructions go to Installation Help
  3. Next install and set up Zotero Connector on the right hand side of the screen
    1. Different web browsers require different installation and set up steps, follow instructions on the screen

Installation Video for Windows

 

Step by Step Installation Video for Mac OS

 

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