Zotero: the Basics

1. Select the desired reference(s).

2. Right-click and select "Find Available PDF." If a PDF is found, it will display as an attachment under the reference.

Downloaded References

My downloaded references from (PubMed, WoS, Google Scholar, etc) are not automatically opening up in Zotero

Causes

• You have more than one citation program installed on your computer (EndNote, Mendeley)

• Your computer is not recognizing what program to open reference files (.ris, .nbib, etc.) with

Solutions

• Uninstall any citation management program you are NOT using (EndNote, Mendeley). Ensure Zotero is the only citation manager on your computer.

• Right-click a reference file (.ris, .nbib, etc.) in your Downloads folder on your computer and select "Open with...", then navigate to Zotero (under Applications folder for Macs and Program Files for PCs). Ensure to select the option for ALL .ris and .nbib files.

• You may also manually import each reference file (.ris, .nbib. etc.) by following these instructions for importing references.

In-Text Citations and Bibliographies within Word-Processing Software

I selected "Add/Edit Citation" or "Add/Edit Bibliography" and nothing happens.

• Ensure Zotero is open in another window. It will not work if it's closed

• Select the "refresh" button. 

•  If the above options don't help, try saving your work and closing out of your paper and coming back into it.

I inserted a citation or bibliography but all I see is code e.g.{reference}

• Ensure Zotero is open in another window. It will not work if it's closed

• Select the "refresh" button. 

•  If the above options don't help, try saving your work and closing out of your paper and coming back into it.

Exporting from EndNote

1. If you wish to export a subset of your EndNote library, select the entries you wish to export.
2. Go to the File menu → Export. A dialog box will pop up asking you where to save the export file.
3. Browse for and select the .Data folder associated with the EndNote library. The .Data folder should have the same name and be saved in the same location as its associated EndNote library (see example below).
   

Open the .Data folder.

For “Save as type:”, choose “XML” and save the XML file in the .Data folder

If you only want to export a subset of your library, check the “Export Selected References” box. Otherwise, make sure it is unchecked.

4. Click “Save”.
5. Close Endnote.
6. Follow these instructions for importing into Zotero.

For more information, visit the Zotero documentation topic on exporting your library from EndNote.

Exporting from Mendeley

For guidance on exporting files from Mendeley, visit the Zotero documentation topic on importing a Mendeley library into Zotero.