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Zotero

Zotero, a free cloud-based citation manager, automatically senses and imports content in your web browser and allows you to add it to your personal library, all within a single click! Zotero also has a Word plug-in to cite-while-you-write.

What is Zotero for Firefox?

Choose Zotero for Firefox if:

  • You use the Firefox browser

  • You prefer to have Zotero as a pane inside your browser instead of a separate window

Zotero for Firefox runs as a plugin for the Firefox web browser, not as a separate program.

The same version of Zotero for Firefox works on any computer that runs Firefox; there are no separate Windows and Mac versions.

Zotero for Firefox or Zotero Standalone?

If you're using Firefox, follow the instructions on this page to install Zotero.

If you're using Safari or Chrome as your browser, Zotero offers a version called Zotero Standalone that works with those browsers.

Installing Zotero for Firefox

Step 1. Install the Zotero for Firefox plugin

Zotero logoGo to the Zotero Download page.

Click the Zotero for Firefox link.

When you see the message "Firefox prevented this site from asking you to install software on your computer," click Allow.

sample error message

Click Install Now, and Zotero will download and install. You can either restart Firefox now, or wait until you have installed the word processor toolbar (below).

Step 2. Install word processor plugins

Word processor plugins allow you to insert citations and bibliographies directly into your documents. Installing them is optional but highly recommended.

Go to the Word Processor Plugins page. Choose the most recent version of the plugins if you're installing Zotero for the first time.

Word for Mac/Windows users:

  • Close Word.
  • Click the link labeled "Install the Word for Windows Plugin" or "Install the Word for Mac Plugin."
  • When you see the message "Firefox prevented this site from asking you to install software on your computer," click Allow.
  • Click Allow and Install now as above.
  • Restart Firefox when prompted.
(If you're using Zotero Standalone, you don't need to install Word toolbars; they are included with Zotero Standalone.)