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Eastern Michigan University Halle Library

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.

Write and Cite with Zotero

Zotero’s Write and Cite tools let you insert citations and create bibliographies directly within your word processor as you write.

Supported Word Processors

  • Microsoft Word (Windows & Mac)

  • Google Docs

  • LibreOffice

Zotero automatically installs plugins for Word and LibreOffice.
Google Docs integration is enabled through the Zotero Connector browser extension.

Note: The Zotero Desktop App must be open for Write and Cite to work in any word processor.

How Write and Cite Works

Zotero Integration in Word and Google Docs

Screenshot of Microsoft Word with the Zotero tab visible in the toolbar
Screenshot of Google Docs showing the Zotero menu options in the toolbar

Common Issue in Google Docs

Google Docs dialog box not appearing? When you click Zotero ▸ Document Preferences in Google Docs, the dialog box may open behind other windows (such as your browser or the Zotero app). If it looks like nothing is happening, minimize or move windows to find the prompt.

Insert Citations While You Write

Use the Zotero toolbar in your word processor to insert in-text citations. When prompted:

  • Search your Zotero library
  • Select your source
  • Zotero inserts the citation in your chosen citation style (e.g., APA, MLA)

Build a Bibliography Automatically

Click Add/Edit Bibliography to generate a full bibliography based on the citations you’ve inserted.

Change Citation Style Anytime

Need to switch from APA to MLA or Chicago?

  • Click Document Preferences in the Zotero toolbar
  • Select a new style — Zotero will reformat all in-text citations and the bibliography instantly

Live Updating

If you edit a source in Zotero, click Refresh in the Zotero toolbar to update the citation and bibliography in your document.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Write & Cite

  • Missing Word plugin? Reinstall Zotero — the Word and LibreOffice plugins are included automatically.
  • Can’t see the Zotero tab in Word? Check File ▸ Options ▸ Add-ins in Word to ensure the Zotero add-in is enabled.
  • Google Docs issues? Make sure the Zotero Connector is installed in your browser and that the Zotero Desktop App is open.
  • Still not working? Restart both Zotero and your word processor, then try again.

Before You Submit Your Work

Zotero adds field codes to your document so that citations remain dynamic and update automatically. Before submitting your final version, you should remove these codes.

To finalize your document:

  1. Save a copy of your document (e.g., Paper Title – Zotero Copy).
  2. Open the version you plan to submit.
  3. In the Zotero toolbar, click Unlink Citations.

This will convert citations to plain text. The document will no longer update automatically, but it will be safe to submit to your instructor, publisher, or repository.

Help with Write and Cite