Zotero is a free, open-source reference management tool that helps you collect, organize, cite, and share research sources. It’s especially popular with students and researchers for its ease of use, web browser integration, and ability to store full-text PDFs and web snapshots. This guide is designed to help McGill students, faculty, and researchers get started with Zotero and make the most of its features.
Please see the "Download and Installation" section below for details on downloading the software to your own device. For help, feel free to check out our Citation Management FAQ or contact us directly.
The latest version of the software is Zotero 7. It is available for Mac, Windows and Linux. Make sure that you're also downloading the connector for your browser. You can access the download link from zotero.org.
For more information and support, please visit Zotero's documentation page, including their Quick Start Guide
You can view the full McGill Libraries Zotero playlist on YouTube.
Note: To use this feature, you must have the Zotero desktop app open and the Zotero Connector installed in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge).
The Zotero plug-in for Google Docs allows you to seamlessly insert citations and generate bibliographies from your Zotero library while working in Google Docs. Once installed, you'll see a Zotero menu appear in your Google Docs toolbar, giving you direct access to your references. The plug-in supports collaborative writing and works with a wide range of citation styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. As you write, Zotero can automatically format your citations and update your bibliography in real time.
For more information, please see this page - Using Zotero with Google Docs
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