New to Zotero? This guide can get you started using the tool if you don't have access to the Zotero application. While Zotero does work best on a personal device with the downloaded desktop app, you can use it completely within a browser. As long as you are logged in to your Zotero account, the sources you save will automatically be imported into your desktop app the next time you log-in.
**NOTE** You will not be able to use the citation plugins for either Microsoft Word or Google Docs without the desktop app, such as on a personal device.
To get started, create a personal Zotero account and log in to the Zotero website.
Using Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, install the Zotero Connector on the web browser from the Zotero Downloads page. For Safari, the Zotero Connector is bundled within that browser. You can enable it from the Extensions pane in the Safari settings. This add-on or extension will allow you to save sources directly from your browser with a single click of a button. If you need more assistance, check the Zotero Installation Support page.
You are now ready to start saving sources to your Zotero Library!
[If you are unable to install anything on the browser of the computer you are using, you can also manually add sources to your Zotero Library. For more information, visit the Zotero Documentation page.]
When you find a resource you would like to save, click on the Zotero Connector button that has been added to your browser. The button will change in appearance depending on the type resource you are trying to save, but it will always be in the same location.
Here are some examples of the different Connector buttons you might see:
The first time you click the button, you will need to click "Enable Saving to Online Library" or "Got it," whichever your browser offers you.
OR
When you are saving, a drop-down menu should be available to select the folder destination in your Zotero Library. If the menu does not appear and you want to add the resource to a specific folder, you can find the resource in your "Library" folder and move it where you would like it saved.
After saving, you will be able to view the saved item in your online Zotero Library. The saved source displays in the middle of the screen. When you click on it, you can view all of the item's information in a pane on the right. All items automatically save to "Library," but you can organize them into different collections (folders).
You can create citations for single sources or multiple sources at the same time. For one item, just click the resource. To create a bibliography for multiple resources, press the CTRL key and select the resources with a mouse (Windows) or press the Command key and select (Mac). Once selected, click the icon as highlighted below. Citations will be generated. Copy them to the clipboard and paste them into your document.
Next, select the citation style that you want to use. Copy and paste the provided citation(s) to any destination.