Skip to Main Content
site header image

Zotero : Zotero Client Interface

Zotero Client Overview

The Zotero Client is installed on your desktop.  Open it to view and manage your library via a multi-panel interface as illustrated below. 

Zotero Client Interface Layout

The Zotero window has three columns:

Left

  • Organize personal and group libraries and collections
  • Create new collections and subcollections undefined to collect works in
  • Browse and search for items via tags

Middle

  • View all items within a given collection
  • By default, this will be all items within your library
    • To view a specific collection, select it within the left column

Right

  • Information on a specific item
  • Choose an entry from the middle column to view and edit its information here

Icons

Above the left column

  •  New Collection
  • New Library

Above the middle column

  •  New Item
  •  Add Item[s] by Identifier
    • ISBN, DOI or PMID
  •  New Note
  •  Add Attachment
    • Attach a link or file to an existing entry
  •  Advanced Search
  •  Basic Search
    • Drop-down menu gives the following search options
      • Title, Creator, Year
      • All Fields & Tags
      • Everything

Above the right column

  •  Locate
    • View items, show files, search/lookup items, etc.
  •  Sync with Zotero Server

Browser Interfaces

Firefox

  • Save to Zotero (default—will change depending on source type)
    • Use the page icon to save using default settings
    • Use the arrow to access advanced options
  •  Open/Close Zotero
    • You can also open or close Zotero by doing any of the following
      • Windows: Crtl + Shift + Z
      • Mac: Go to the Tools menu and select Zotero
      • Mac: Command + Shift + Z
  •   Switch between the default and full-sized views of Zotero
  •  Close Zotero window

Chrome

  •  Save to Zotero (default—will change depending on source type)
    • Right click to access advanced options via Options
  • Note: You must be logged into Zotero or have Zotero Client open in order to save items from Chrome

Safari

  •  Save to Zotero (default—will change depending on source type)
  • Note: You must have Zotero Client open in order to save items from Safari

 

Need Help?

Check out Zotero's Documentation tab for more guidance and tips. 

Search Zotero's Forums tab to find answers to common questions, or to submit a "New Discussion".

For more options and answers to common problems, go to our Ask & Services Page.