Make sure that Microsoft Word is closed during the Zotero installation (the Zotero Word plugin may not install correctly if Word is open)

Zotero comes in 2 parts - remember to install both!

Zotero consists of the desktop app (left-hand side) and a browser connector (right-hand side). It can be downloaded from zotero.org/download. For installation help, see documentation on the download page.

Check your installation

• Desktop application: Zotero should now be in your start up menu (Windows) or the Launchpad (MacOS)
• Browser connector: A Zotero icon should now be in the toolbar (either a red Z or grey/blue icon that looks like a piece of paper)
• Plug in for Microsoft Word or Google Docs: A Zotero menu should now be present in the toolbar

Make sure that you have registered for a Zotero account and have logged in. This will give you access to your references from any device at any time

How to create an account 

Go to zotero.org where you can either:

• Register for a free account
• Log in (to check your account or change your password)
• Reset your password via the Forgotten your password link

How to log on and sync your Zotero library

Go to the Zotero desktop app

Navigate to preferences (Edit option in Windows and Zotero option in MacOS)

Enter Username and password

Click 'Set up Synching'

Once you have successfully logged in, the display will show that you have linked your account

Navigate to preferences in the app, via the Edit option in Windows and the Zotero option in MacOS

Export tab

Make sure that the output style is set to 'American Psychological Association 7th edition', (the Education Faculty’s recommended referencing style).

Cite tab 

Word add-in (via the Word processors tab) 

The word add-in should have been installed along with the Zotero installation and you should see 'The Microsoft Word add-in is currently installed'.

If this is not installed, make sure that Microsoft Word is closed then click on the ‘Install Microsoft Word Add-in'. 

Search box options for the add-in (via the Word processors tab) 

A simple search box is set up by default. To view your Zotero library and collections in the same way you see them in the desktop app, tick the 'Use Classic Add Citation dialog' box. It is personal preference which one you use.   

 
 

General tab

Tags

If you are using tags to organise your library then it is recommended that you uncheck 'Automatically tag items with keywords and subject headings' to remove Zotero-generated tags. This will enable you to create and maintain your own tags that suit your needs. 

It is highly advisable to make a back up of your Zotero library. How often you do this is personal preference. If you have a back up of your Zotero library you will be able to retrieve your data should your account become corrupt or you are unable to access your references for any other reason.

How to back up your Zotero data

You will find your Zotero data in the Advanced tab of the Zotero preferences, by clicking 'Show Data Directory' (this will show you the folder on your computer that contains your Zotero database).

Once you have located your Zotero data *close Zotero* then copy your data directory (making sure that you copy the entire folder, including zotero.sqlite and storage and the other subfolders) to a backup location (preferably an external device). 

Please see the Guidance from the Zotero.org website for more information: Zotero Data Directory