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Zotero and ZoteroBib Guide

Creating bibliographies

There two ways to create bibliographies with word processors using Zotero:

  1. Use a quick, 'Copy to Clipboard' method that allows you to select as many individual sources from your Zotero library as needed, or a whole collection, and generate a formatted bibliography that you paste into your document.
  2. Add in-text citations to your document while you write using the Word or Google Docs plugin, and generate an instant bibliography from what you've cited in the text of your document.

The Two Methods

Method Pros Cons
Copy to Clipboard

Quick with lower learning curve.

Can easily edit citations and bibliography in document as needed.

Correct citation formatting may not be retained if pasted without retaining source formatting.

Formats in-text citations and bibliography separately, so you have to track what you've cited in your document to match your bibliography.

While You Write

Formats both in-text citations and bibliography concurrently. 

Syncs bibliography to what you have cited in your text.

Can be cumbersome with higher learning curve.

Must use add-edit citation feature to have linked citations and bibliography.

Must fix any errors in Zotero library rather than your bibliography due to sync feature.

Removing records from Zotero will remove those citations from your document.

 

Directions:

  1. Open the Zotero application on your device. Using the Web version only will not work.
  2. Highlight one or more references and then right-click to select “Create Bibliography from Selected Items…"
    Screenshot of Zotero application with item records highlighted, right-clicked on, and a pop up window showing the option to create a bibliography from the selected items. This option is boxed with a red outline.
  3. Select a citation style (click on "Manage Styles" then "Get Additional Styles" if you don't see the one you need), and whether you want to generate in-text citations or a bibliography from the items. Choose Copy to Clipboard as your output method, and paste into your document. Note that you have other output options, RTF, HTML, and Print, if needed!
    Screenshot of Zotero pop up allowing you to choose a citation style, whether to create citations or a bibliography, and what output method you'd prefer.

​Zotero offers word processing plugins for Word and Google Docs. The plugin adds a Zotero toolbar to your word processor that allows you to add citations to your document while you write.

  • To add a citation, select "Add/Edit Citation."  Search for the reference you want to cite and press Enter. Zotero will add the citation at your cursor.
  • Place your cursor at the end of your paper and select "Add/edit Bibliography". Your bibliography will appear at your cursor, and new citations will be added automatically.
  • Change bibliographic styles as needed with the "Document Preferences" option.

Google Docs

Zotero works with Google Docs! You must have the most recent Zotero Connector installed in Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Look for Zotero in the Google Docs editor.

Zotero Plugin for Google Docs Screenshot

Microsoft Word

The toolbar looks different on different operating systems and versions of Word. Mousing over the toolbar will pop up each button's function if they're not clearly labeled.

Zotero Microsoft Word Plugin Screenshot

Zotero has over 10,000 citation styles to choose from.

  • Use "Document preferences" in Word or Docs to change citation styles.
  • Add more citation styles by clicking "Manage Styles" and selecting "Get additional styles ...". Search for the one you need and add it your list.

Zotero Document Preferences Manage Styles

Using LaTeX and Overleaf with Zotero

Zotero works with typesetting tools like Overleaf, too!