Zotero Citation Manager

This guide is designed to help the EMU community use Zotero to manage citations, organize research, and create bibliographies.
Whether you're just getting started or exploring advanced features, you'll find tools and support throughout this guide.

Zotero Settings

Before you begin adding sources, take a few minutes to adjust Zotero’s settings. This will make 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 allow you to:

  • Set file handling and default locations
  • Turn on syncing for your data and attachments
  • Choose a default citation style (such as APA)
  • Install and manage citation plugins for Word or Google Docs

The screenshots below walk you through the process.

General Settings

General → File Handling and File Renaming: Determine what files and data you want Zotero to download automatically.

  • We recommend selecting:

    • Automatically attach associated PDFs and other files when saving items
      Automatically retrieve metadata for PDFs and ebooks

  • For file renaming, select:

    • Automatically rename locally added files

    • Set rename file types to PDF and Ebook

Zotero Settings window on the General tab with instructional callouts highlighting the Resolver and Miscellaneous settings.
General → Locate and Miscellaneous:
  • Resolver: Set the resolver to determine if EMU has access to resources. Use the drop-down to select: North America → United States → Eastern Michigan University. The base URL will fill automatically.
  • Miscellaneous: Uncheck Automatically tag items with keywords and subject headings if you prefer to assign your own tags.

Sync Settings

Set Up Syncing:
  • Enter the username and password you used when you created your Zotero.org account.
  • If you haven’t created an account or forgot your password, use the links: Lost Password? or Create Account.
  • Finish by clicking Set Up Syncing.
Zotero Settings window on the Sync tab with callout highlighting Sync automatically and file syncing options.
Sync Options:
  • Select Sync automatically if you want Zotero to sync without manual intervention (recommended).
  • Decide whether to sync full-text content:
    • Paid account: syncing full-text is fine.
    • Free account: consider turning off full-text and file syncing to conserve storage.

Export Settings

Zotero Settings window open to the Export tab with callout pointing to the default citation style drop-down menu.
Export Settings: Use the drop-down box to select your preferred citation style.
For most EMU students and faculty, APA is the recommended choice.

Cite Settings

Zotero Settings window open to the Cite tab with callouts highlighting the citation style list and Get Additional Styles link.
Cite Settings:
  • Select your preferred citation style. For most EMU courses, APA is commonly used.
  • Don’t see your preferred style? Click the Get Additional Styles… link to choose from thousands of other citation formats.
  • Last Updated: Oct 6, 2025 11:32 AM
  • URL: https://guides.emich.edu/zotero
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