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Michigan State University

Zotero

Reference Management Tool

FAQs

1.  How much free storage space does my Zotero.org account give me?

300MB.

Storage plans and pricing are available at http://www.zotero.org/support/storage.

How can I maximize my storage space?

You can maximize your storage space by disabling automatic attachments (see the recommended set up instructions for further information) and/or by linking to files stored on your hard drive instead of storing files on the Zotero.org server.  This is the difference between "linked files" and "stored files."  Linked files create a path to a file stored on your computer.  The caveat is that they do not sync (not accessible from multiple computers) and are not shareable in group libraries.  Stored files are copied onto your Zotero.org server space, sync, are accessible from any computer, and can be shared in group libraries (and take up storage space).

2.  Can I export citations from EndNote into Zotero or from Mendeley into Zotero?

Yes.  See Endnote to Zotero instructions  or Mendeley to Zotero instructions

3.  Can I take notes on the PDF files stored in my Zotero library?

No.  However, you can use Zotero with a PDF reader that allows markups.  You can also sync Zotero with Mendeley, another citation management program that does allow for PDF note taking.  Keep in mind that Zotero does offer the Notes attachment, where you can jot down whatever you need and copy and paste relevant quotes.  

4. I don't see the citation style I need in the Zotero Style Repository. Can I create my own citation style?

Yes, but only if you are willing to work with some basic coding modification of the Citation Style Language. However, as the documentation page on citation styles notes, you can request a style as an alternative route. To create the style yourself, follow the directions on the documentation pages for editing CSL styles. You do not have to be formally trained in computer coding to make small modifications to an existing style as there are some helpful tools and documentation. However, you do need patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment.

5. I share a computer (e.g., at home with my partner). Can we have multiple Zotero accounts on one computer?

Yes. See instructions for creating multiple Zotero profiles

6. The Zotero tab does not appear in Word for Mac.

Troubleshooting tips can be found in the Zotero documentation.

It may be necessary to manually install the Word plug-in.

7. Can I use Zotero to collaborate with others on Office 365 online?

Sort of. Users will need the desktop version of the Word app as well. 

Option 1: Start the document on Office 365 online. Choose "Open in Desktop App" option to add citations etc. Changes should automatically be reflected on the web version (refresh might be needed.)

Option 2: Store document on OneDrive. Edit the document locally, add citations etc using the desktop Word app. Save. Open in Office 365 web.

 

Troubleshooting Zotero

Zotero is an open source tool.  It was developed by the Center for New Media at George Mason University with funding from the United States Insitute for Museum and Library Sciences and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.  It is freely available community tool, so anyone can contribute to its development.  This also means that there is no 1-800 number for support.

Zotero recommends that you follow these steps to troubleshoot:

  1. Make sure that you have the most up-to-date version of Zotero.
  2. Check the documentation pages. For problems with specific library databases, see Known Translator Issues
  3. Search through the documentation pages.
  4. Search through the forums.  These are message boards where people post and respond to questions.
  5. Post a message on the forums.