Zotero Citation Manager

How do I import a file (RIS, BibTeX, EndNote, etc.) into my Zotero Library?

1. In Zotero, go to File > Import.

2. Choose the file type (e.g., .ris, .bib, .enw).

3. Follow the prompts to add the citations to your library.

Tip: Many databases (like JSTOR, EBSCO, PubMed) let you export citations as RIS files.

This option works only with Zotero's Write and Cite.

• Place your cursor where you want the citation.
• Click “Add/Edit Citation” in the Zotero toolbar.
• In the red citation bar that appears, search for and select the source.
• Click the citation again in the red bar – a small pop-up will appear.
• Check the box labeled “Suppress Author.”
• Add the page number if needed.
• Press Enter.

You have two options:

Option 1: Export Your Library (to manually save your library to a file, either for backup or to transfer it elsewhere)

• In Zotero, go to File > Export Library.

• Choose the format:

  • Zotero RDF (best for full backup, including notes and files)

  • RIS, BibTeX, or CSV (for citation sharing or use in other tools)

• Choose whether to include notes and files.

• Click OK and save the file somewhere safe (like an external hard drive or cloud storage).

Option 2: Manual Backup of Zotero Data Folder (to keep a full backup of your Zotero database and files)

• Find your Zotero data directory:

  • Go to Edit > Settings > Advanced > Files and Folders.

  • Click Show Data Directory.

• Copy that entire folder to another location (external drive, cloud, etc.)

Zotero does not automatically ignore initial articles like “The,” “A,” or “An” when alphabetizing sources in your bibliography.

If you're generating a bibliography using Zotero’s Write and Cite feature, you can:

1. Insert your bibliography as usual.

2. Click “Unlink Citations” in the Zotero toolbar.

3. Manually rearrange the entries as needed.

⚠️ Only do this when you're done adding citations, because unlinked citations can't be updated by Zotero anymore.