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Zotero Citation Management Tool

Zotero is a free source to help you format your reference lists in APA, MLA or Chicago Style.

Starting with Zotero

Download AND install the Chrome Connector extension 
Installing the Chrome Connector will enable you to save citations to web content directly to Zotero. If you don’t use Chrome, then click the link for "Connectors for other browsers."

https://www.zotero.org/download/

Pin the Zotero app to your taskbar for easier access later. 

Further installation details are here:

https://www.zotero.org/support/installation

Although you do not need to have a Zotero account, it is helpful if you wish to access your Zotero collections when you are using different computers (i.e.sync across devices).  In addition, if you wish to use the Zotero Group options and / or share your collections, you will need to create an account.  Note that the web version has less functionality than the desktop app.

  1. Go to Zotero.org
  2. Click the Log In link in the upper right hand corner of the page.
  3. Click the "Register for a free account" link in the upper right hand corner of the next page.
  4. Complete the required fields, check the 'I am not a robot' box, and click Register.
  5. Once your account is created, you will receive an email to validate your account.
  6. The email you receive will include the 3 steps to follow to sync your data across multiple computers, access your library online, or collaborate in group libraries.

Note that the desktop app and the web version of Zotero look slightly different.

*Credit to Milner Library, Illinois State University for sharing these directions.

 

When you initially Create Your Account, you will have been asked to "sync" your account across devices.

If you missed this step in the initial set-up, you can add the sync option by going to Edit -> Preferences -> Sync