Research Guides: Zotero: Overview

Zotero (pronounced "zoh-TAIR-oh")

This software allows you to collect, manage, and cite research sources. Save PDFs, attach notes and images to your citations, and organize citations into collections for different projects. Zotero connects with your web browser to download sources and is free with up to 300 MB of storage.

Why Zotero?
Zotero explains why you should use their product: unparalleled support, constant improvement, privacy, free and open source, advanced features.

Getting Started in 3 Steps

To use Zotero, you'll need to:

Create an account
Download the Zotero application
Download a connector so your browser can save citations to Zotero

Register for Zotero
Create a Zotero account.
Download and install Zotero application & connectors
Download the application for your operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux) and the connector for your browser. You must install the application AND connectors for Zotero to work.

Zotero Links

Zotero FAQs
For additional frequently asked questions, see the knowledge base. If you can't find the answer to your question here, see Getting Help.
Zotero Storage Plans
*free up to 300 MB of storage

Need More Help?

Rafia Mirza

Contact:

rmirza@smu.edu
214-768-1838

Related Guides

RefWorks
Comparison Tables of citation management tools
A comparison table from Bodleian Libraries on different citation tools
Zotero Workshop information
Go to this guide for a recording of the Zotero workshop

What are Connectors?

Zotero uses connectors to save citations to your Zotero library from your web browser.

Each browser has its own Zotero connector, so if you use Chrome, Firefox and Safari you'll need to install all three.
The Zotero downloads page will automatically detect what browser you're using and give you a link.

GSU Zotero Guide
Parts of this SMU guide are based on this research guide from Georgia State University.