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Zotero guide: About Zotero and installation

What is Zotero?

  • Zotero is free open-source reference management software designed to store and manage your references. It can save you time by helping you collect, organise, annotate, cite and share your research sources.
  • Zotero works with Microsoft Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice to create footnotes, endnotes, in-text citations, and bibliographies for your selected reference style.
  • Zotero works directly in your web browser, and automatically detects research sources as you browse the web - you can add sources to Zotero with one click.
  • Because Zotero is developed by an independent, non-profit organisation, you can use it without an account and without sharing any private data.
  • Read more about the benefits and limitations of Zotero.

If you are new to reference management programs, you may want to start by viewing the Zotero quick start guide for an overview of Zotero's features.

Installation

Overview:

Zotero is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. There are three parts to setting up Zotero:

1) Zotero Desktop

  • Application that resides on your computer
  • Unlimited storage
  • Can be used without a Zotero account

2) Zotero Online

  • Cloud-based version of Zotero
  • Use to sync your Zotero library to the cloud and between computers
  • Does not have the full functionality of Zotero Desktop
  • The amount of free cloud-based storage is limited (300 MB), but you can purchase additional space - if you do not store pdfs in your online library 300 MB is likely to be enough storage.
  • Requires a Zotero account login

3) Zotero Connector

  • A browser extension compatible with Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Edge browsers. When you’re searching online, you can click on the Zotero Connector button to add the article/webpage to Zotero.

 

Installation Instructions:

  • To install, go to the Zotero download page. It will automatically detect your operating system, so you just need to click ‘Download’ for Mac or Windows. Open the downloaded file and follow the setup instructions. 

  • Make sure you are using your preferred web browser and click ‘Install’ for the browser connector (Note: for Safari, it will be automatically added when you download Zotero for Mac). Once installed, the Zotero connector will appear as an icon next to the browser URL address bar.

  • The word processor plugin is automatically added so you can cite while you write, with no extra installation needed.

 

Installation troubleshooting:

  • If you are using a Monash computer and you do not have admin rights, you will need to ask eSolutions to install Zotero on your computer
  • If you cannot add the browser connector, check if you have the most up-to-date version of the browser
  • You may need to restart your browser and word processor for the installation to come into effect
  • Get more help with installation on the Zotero website.

 

Zotero layout

Zotero’s layout comprises three columns moving left to right, from general to more specific information:

  • Left Column: displays the contents of your Zotero library, including folders (known as ‘collections’ and ‘sub-collections’), and any tags that have been used in your records
  • Centre Column: displays the references in the specific collection you have highlighted in the left column
  • Right Column: shows you the details of the specific reference you have selected in the centre column (including bibliographic information, notes, tags and related tabs).