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Zotero Setup and Use: Installation

A guide to setting up and using the Zotero citation management software, for students and faculty of Southwest Minnesota State University.

Zotero for Windows Setup

Zotero can be installed by going to https://www.zotero.org/ . The video below will walk you through the setup process using Windows 10 or Windows 11, and will help you to install the Zotero application on your PC, as well as the Zotero Connector for your web-browser.

The Zotero Application is where your saved research items and bibliographic information will be synced on your device.

The Zotero Connector is a browser plug-in (available for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or Safari) that will allow you to add items to your Zotero Library from any database or website.

Zotero for Mac Setup

Zotero can be installed by going to https://www.zotero.org/ . The video below will walk you through the setup process on a Mac running MacOS Monterey or MacOS Ventura.

The Zotero Application is where your saved research items and bibliographic information will be synced on your device.

The Zotero Connector is a browser plug-in (available for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or Safari) that will allow you to add items to your Zotero Library from any database or website.

Zotero for iPad/iPhone Setup

Zotero exists as a native app for iPad/iPhone on the App Store. The video below will walk you through the setup process.

Zotero for Other Devices

Currently, the Zotero application only runs natively on Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, and iOS.

However, the Zotero Web Library can be accessed through any web browser. Citations and reference lists can be exported from the Zotero Web Library into any word processor.