Zotero

1. Zotero works with all major browsers. It also works on both Macs and PCs. Read these instructions to install Zotero on a Chromebook.

• This page demonstrates installing Zotero Standalone for Chrome on a PC. (For directions on how to install Zotero for other browsers, check out these directions.)
• There are two download parts: installing the Zotero library (steps 2-6) and installing the Zotero browser extension (steps 7-9).
  • Note: These steps are combined on MAC computers; see brief instructions for MAC users at the bottom of this page.

2. Go to https://www.zotero.org/ to download Zotero.  Click the "download" button. 

3. On the following page, first download the Zotero library assistant software for your operating system. Select the blue download button.

4. In Chrome, an .exe file will appear in the lower left corner of your browser. Double click the file name to open it. Depending on your browser the location of downloaded files may be slightly different. If you have trouble finding the file, search your computer for "Zotero."

5. Next, the Zotero Setup Wizard will open. Walk through the four steps of the Wizard. Choose "standard" installation, then "install." On the last screen of the Wizard, click "finish."

6. Your desktop Zotero library will open.

7. Next, download the browser extension, also at the Zotero download website.  Make sure to install the version that matches your browser, for example, Chrome.  The browser extension allows you to automatically download citation information from journal websites or search tools like Google Scholar.

8. When prompted to add the "Zotero Connector," click add extension.

9. Check the upper right corner of your browser window to see the newly added Zotero browser extension. (Note - if you are using Safari, the connector will display to the left of the URL.

Note - If you are using the Chrome or Safari browser, you may need to click the extensions icon and then pin the Zotero browser connector to your browser window to see the Zotero browser connector all the time.

That's it! You have successfully installed your Zotero library and are now ready to add sources to your library.

• MAC users only need to download and install one file. 
  • The Zotero Connector for Safari is bundled with the Zotero desktop app because current versions of Safari don't allow direct installation of browser extensions like other browsers.
• Open the .dmg you downloaded and drag Zotero to the Applications folder.
  • You can then run Zotero from Spotlight, Launchpad, or the Applications folder and add it to your Dock like any other program.
  • After installing Zotero, you can eject and delete the .dmg file.
• After opening Zotero for the first time, you can enable the Zotero Connector from the Extensions pane of the Safari settings.
  • Go to: “Safari” menu → “Settings” → “Extensions” (NOT “Safari” menu → “Safari Extensions…”)
• Pin the connector extension to your toolbar if it is not already there. 
  • The connector icon may appear to the left of URL bar. It will be an icon for a book, article, or other type of item, depending on the webpage you are viewing
• NOTE: The Zotero Connector for Safari requires macOS 11 Big Sur or later. Most Apple devices since 2013/14 should work.