Zotero and How It Works: Setting up Zotero

To install Zotero and its connectors:

• Download Zotero from the Zotero download page and make sure you also install a Zotero connector for your browser.  
  1. Windows: Run the setup program you downloaded.
  2. Mac: 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.
  3. Linux: Download the tarball, extract the contents and run Zotero from that directory to start Zotero.

You can also visit the installation video at: http://www.zotero.org/support/installation

It might be a good idea to create an account with Zotero.  To sign up for a Zotero account, please visit: https://www.zotero.org/user/register/

Registering a user account allows you to sync your library, participate in groups, or post to the support forums. If you previously had a forum account, it was automatically converted into a Zotero account and you don't need to register again.

Also visit http://www.zotero.org/downloadbookmarklet to find instructions for installing Zotero Bookmarklet (for adding Zotero to your iPhone, Chrome for Android, Firefox Mobile Browser, etc.).

Zotero automatically synchronizes your data across as many devices as you choose. Add to your research library on your work PC, and organize your collections on your home laptop. All of your notes, files, and bibliographic data remain seamlessly and silently up to date. Returning from field work? Your data will be waiting for you when you get home. 

For more help, please visit: http://www.zotero.org/support/sync

Visit http://www.zotero.org/support/installation#troubleshooting_installation_issues for troubleshooting installation issues.

Zotero has a number of different preferences you can adjust which affects how this tool works in citing resources.

A short tutorial going through some aspects of preferences in Zotero put together by the University of Ottawa library can be found below: