Zotero

Zotero is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share research. It's available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. With a Zotero.org account, you can access your library from any browser and collaborate with others.

Before you begin: If you have Microsoft Word or LibreOffice open on your computer, we recommend you quit them before attempting to install Zotero.

1. Download and install Zotero 6.0 for Windows, Mac, or Linux. This installs both the Zotero application and the word processor plugin for Microsoft Word or LibreOffice.

2. Install the Zotero Connector for your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). The plugin for Google Docs is currently built in to the Zotero Connector for Chrome and Firefox.

Having trouble downloading the connector for Google Chrome when logged in with your Brandeis profile? You may need to turn on additional Google services in your Brandeis account.

3. Register for a Zotero.org account. After you register, Zotero will send a confirmation email to the address provided. Open the email and click the link to confirm your registration.

4. In the Zotero app's Preferences Menu, set the Zotero app to sync to your new Zotero.org account. 

5. Learn more about Word Processor Integrations for Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs to make the most of Zotero's citation functionality.

Zotero can help you to create citations, footnotes, and bibliographies in Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs. Learn more about Zotero's word processor integrations, including troubleshooting.

• Microsoft Word:  Current Brandeis students, faculty, and staff can download Microsoft Office for free.  For the best experience with Zotero, we recommend ensuring that your copy of Microsoft Word is up to date.  For help installing or updating Microsoft Word, contact the Technology Help Desk.
• LibreOffice is a free, open-source office suite that anyone can download and use.
• Google Docs can be accessed in Google Drive with your Brandeis login.

Using a Chromebook or mobile device instead of a laptop? Committed to a browser that doesn't have a Zotero Connector? See our guide to using Zotero.org with any browser.

Want to build a bibliography instantly from any computer or device, without creating an account or installing any software?  Try ZoteroBib.

"No access to this service" message when installing the Zotero Connector

You can use the Zotero Connector with Google Chrome, but you may need to turn on an additional setting if you use Chrome while signed in with your Brandeis profile.

1. Go to identity.brandeis.edu
2. Select "Manage My Account"
3. Scroll down to the heading "Optional Services" and select "Additional Google Services."
4. Select "Turn On Additional Google Services."

This will allow you to install the Zotero Connector in a Google Chrome browser that is connected to your Brandeis account.

"Save to Zotero" icon doesn't appear in the browser bar 

If the Zotero Connector seems to have installed correctly (no error messages), but it's not appearing in your browser bar:

1. Click on the puzzle piece icon to the right of the URL to open the Extensions menu.
2. Find the Zotero Connector in the list and click on the pushpin icon to turn it blue.