Before you begin adding sources, take a few minutes to adjust Zotero’s settings. This makes it easier to organize, cite, and sync your research—and in most cases, you’ll only need to do it once.
How to Open Settings
On a PC:
Open Zotero → go to Edit → Settings
On a Mac:
Open Zotero → go to Zotero → Settings
📌 Tip: Be sure to review the General, Sync, Export, and Cite tabs. These let you:
Set file handling and default locations
Turn on syncing for your data and attachments
Choose a default citation style (like APA)
Install and manage citation plugins for Word or Google Doc
The screenshots below will walk you through the process.