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Zotero: Setup
Zotero

Created by Jason Puckett at Georgia State University

Zotero will not work with Internet Explorer.
Please install/use Chrome, Firefox

Zotero (pronounced "zoh-TAIR-oh") is a Firefox/Chrome addon that collects, manages, and cites research sources. It's easy to use, lives in your web browser where you do your work, and best of all it's free.

Step 1: Install Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word

If you don't have Word, signup for Office 365.

Download and install, Zotero won't work with Office in the cloud.

Step 2: Install Chrome or Firefox

Chrome or   FireFox

Step 3: Create free Zotero account

Register at Zotero.orgZotero

  • Select an email and password. (Doesn't have to be university account)
  • Verify email

Step 4: Download & Install Zotero

Download and install Zotero 5.0Zotero

Zotero will not work on Chromebook or tablet.

Step 5: Install Zotero Connector

Install Zotero Connector

Firefox + Zotero .   or     Chrome + Zotero

Firefox or Chrome highly recommended

More help on this step

Step 6: Sync Zotero

  • Open Zotero on your computer.
  • On Windows Click Edit → Preferences → Sync
  • On Mac click Zotero → Preferences → Sync


    Click Sync   Login with your Zotero Password

Step 7: Setup Word Add-in

  • Must have Word installed, not Office 365 in the cloud. .
  • Close Microsoft Word
  • Open Zotero on your computer
  • Windows Users click Edit → Preferences
  • Mac Users click Zotero → Preferences
  • Click Cite and click Word Processors 
  • Use Classic
  • Install Microsoft Word Add-in (or Reinstall Microsoft Word Add-in)
    • If you don't see this click Tools →  Add-ons →  Disable Word Plugin. Then Restart Zotero
    • then click Tools → Add-ons →  Enable Word Plugin. Then Restart Zotero
  • Restart Microsoft Word
  • Open Microsoft Word and look for Zotero. .. Repeat steps if missing.

Step 8: Add Turabian (if needed)

  • Open Zotero on your computer
  • Windows Users click Edit → Preferences
  • Mac Users click Zotero → Preferences
  • Click cite
  • Click get additional styles
  • Type Turabian or any other style to add 
  • Note: It may not have the latest styles...

if Zotero does not work..

Zotero now supports APA 7, just run the updates. (see step #3)

  1. Zotero 5.0 must be running on your computer
  2. Word must be installed on your computer, not in the cloud.
  3. Check for Zotero updates and install
  4. Reinstall Microsoft Word Add-in
  5. Reinstall browser plugin
  6. Restart Browser, Word, Zotero
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