Zotero Citation Manager

Zotero offers several ways to generate bibliographies — both with and without using Word or Google Docs plugins.

Tip: For help using Zotero with Word or Google Docs, see the Using Write & Cite with Zotero tab. (opens in a new window)

Zotero offers two quick ways to create bibliographies using the desktop application.

Before you begin:

Make sure your default citation style is set under Edit > Settings > Export (Windows) or Zotero > Settings > Export (Mac). For help, see the Selecting Zotero Settings (opens in a new window) tab.

Option 1: Right-Click Method

For individual items:

1. Open Zotero and select the items you want.
2. Right-click and choose “Create Bibliography from Item…”
   
   
    
3. In the pop-up window:
   • Select Citation Style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago)
   • Choose Output Mode:
     • Bibliography for a list of references
     • Citations for in-text citation format
   • Choose Output Method:
     • Save as RTF (Rich Text File)
     • Save as HTML (for webpages)
     • Copy to Clipboard (for pasting into a document)
     • Print
4. Click OK to generate your bibliography.

For entire collections:

• In the left pane, right-click a collection folder and choose “Create Bibliography from Collection…”
• Follow the same steps as above.

Option 2: Quick Copy (Drag & Drop or Keyboard Shortcut)

Drag & Drop:

1. Select items in your Zotero library.
2. Drag them into a text field (e.g., Word, Google Docs, or email).
3. Zotero will automatically format the citations.

Keyboard Shortcut:

1. Select the items.
2. Press:
   • Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows)
   • Cmd + Shift + C (Mac)
   to copy a formatted bibliography.
3. Paste it into your document.

To copy in-text citations instead:

• Ctrl + Shift + A (Windows)
• Cmd + Shift + A (Mac)

Zotero supports annotated bibliographies using special citation styles and notes entered in the Extra field.

Step 1: Install an Annotated Bibliography Citation Style

1. Open Zotero.
2. Go to:
   • Edit > Settings > Cite (Windows), or
   • Zotero > Settings > Cite (Mac)
3. Click Get additional styles…
4. In the search box, type annotated.
5. Install a style such as:
   • APA 7th edition (annotated bibliography)
   • Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition (note, annotated bibliography)

Step 2: Add Annotations to the Extra Field

1. In Zotero, select an item.
2. In the right-hand pane, scroll to the Extra field.
   
    
3. Remove any existing content, then type or paste your annotation.

Step 3: Generate the Annotated Bibliography

1. Select the items you want to include.
2. Right-click and choose Create Bibliography from Selected Item(s)…
3. In the dialog box:
   • Choose your annotated citation style.
   • Select your output method (RTF, HTML, Clipboard).
4. Click OK, then paste the output into your document.

Each citation will appear with its corresponding annotation listed beneath it.

•  Zotero has a detailed guide: Creating Bibliographies