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Zotero : Adding PDFs

How to use this powerful research management and citation tool.

Adding PDFs you already have

If you add a PDF to Zotero it will try to retrieve the metadata about the PDF and turn it into a proper item in your library. This works for most academic PDFs. One way to do it is just to drag the PDF onto Zotero.

Drag the PDF into the centre pane in Zotero

Zotero will add the PDF to your collection. Wait a few seconds to see if it can get all the publication details.

In most cases, Zotero will be able to turn the PDF into a proper item with all the details! Notice how all the publication information is in the right-hand pane now.

Need Help?

Zotero's support page has links to all the documentation.

Search the Zotero forums 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.