Zotero User's LibGuide: Zotero Installation Instructions

The Zotero 6 Desktop Application allows you to locally edit, import, and manage your Zotero bibliographic library. If you have the Zotero Connector installed, you can also easily import web-based sources!

Zotero 6 runs as a separate program instead of part of your web browser, and works with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Zotero 6 is downloaded and installed like other computer applications.  However, you will also need to install the Zotero Connector in your browser of choice to allow your browser to save items to your Zotero library.

To install and start using Zotero:

1. Go to the Zotero Download Page.
2. The website should auto-detect your operating system and offer an appropriate link.  Click the link to download the install file and install Zotero on your system.
3. Once installed, link your desktop application with your Zotero account.
   • For Windows & Linux Users: Edit > Preferences > Sync > Link Account
   • For macOS Users: Zotero > Preferences > Sync > Link Account
4. On the same page as the application download link, there are links to download browser connectors.  Download the appropriate connector for the browser of your choice and install it.
5. You are ready to use Zotero Standalone in conjunction with the browser you downloaded extensions for!

Zotero comes pre-packaged with plugins for Microsoft Word and Open Office!  This means you do not have to download additional files to use this great feature.

Additionally, as of August, 2018, Zotero will now integrate with the Google Docs word processor! This feature currently only works through the Firefox and Chrome browsers. For more information, review Zotero's documentation page.