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Manage Citations: Zotero

Student Before You Start 24:07

Learning Outcomes

After using this tutorial, you will be able to:

  • Download Zotero and create an account
  • Navigate the library in the Zotero desktop client
  • Add sources to your Zotero library
  • Export citations and bibliographic entries from your Zotero library
  • Use Zotero with Microsoft Word to create in-text citations and bibliographies or works cited pages
  • Create, join, and use Zotero groups

Video Tutorials

Zotero Part 1: First Steps

Learn how to download and set up Zotero, a citation management software. Note: Mason users now receive unlimited storage when using their Mason email address at sign-up.

Zotero Part 2: The Zotero Library

Learn how to organize your Zotero library.

Zotero Part 3: Adding Sources

Learn how to use the browser connector and Zotero desktop app to easily import sources into Zotero.

Zotero Part 4: Exporting Citations

Learn how to export your citations out of your Zotero library.

Zotero Part 5: Zotero and Microsoft Word

Learn how to create automatic in-text citations and a bibliography in Word using Zotero.

Zotero Part 6: Shared Libraries

Learn how to create, share, and join your Zotero groups.

Getting Started

  1. Create a free account.

    Go to zotero.org and register with your George Mason email address to get unlimited cloud storage and sync across multiple devices.

  2. Download and install.

    Install both the desktop client and the browser plugin for the easiest workflow.

    Screenshot of Zotero 8 download page for Mac with Download button and Installation Help link
    Zotero download page
    Screenshot of Zotero Connector installation page for Google Chrome with Install Chrome Connector button
    Zotero browser connector

  3. Save sources with the browser connector.

    Click the Zotero button in your browser toolbar to save documents directly into your desktop library.

    Screenshot of Zotero save button in the browser toolbar ribbon
    Zotero button in browser ribbon

  4. Manage your library.

    Drag and drop articles directly into the desktop client, or right-click entries to export citations.

    Screenshot of a populated Zotero library showing saved sources
    A Zotero library

Zotero and Microsoft Word

Zotero connects directly with Microsoft Word to help you create in-text citations and reference lists.

Screenshot of Microsoft Word ribbon showing the Zotero tab with labelled buttons for Document Preferences, Add/Edit Citation, and Add/Edit Bibliography
Microsoft Word’s Zotero tab
  1. Open the Zotero desktop application — it must be running in the background during these steps.
  2. Click the “Zotero” tab in the Microsoft Word ribbon.
  3. Click “Document Preferences” to select the correct citation style for your document.

  4. Click “Add/Edit Citation” to open a search bar connected to your Zotero library. Search for a source to insert a citation.

    Screenshot of Zotero citation dialog with a source selected
    Zotero citation dialog
  5. Click “Add/Edit Bibliography” to generate your Works Cited list when you are finished writing.

More Resources

To find articles and other resources in your discipline, browse your subject guide. If you have questions or need more help, review Zotero's help pages or reach out to us through Ask a Librarian.