Q. How do I cite while I write with Zotero?

Zotero offers plugins for word processing programs like Word, LibreOffice, and Google docs. The plugin adds a Zotero toolbar to your word processor that allows you to add citations to your document while you write.

This is what the toolbar looks like in Word:

To add the first citation to your Word document:

1. Place your cursor at the point in your document where you would like to insert a citation.
2. Click the button "Add/Edit Citation" on the toolbar:

3. When you insert your first citation, the Document Preferences window will open.
4. Choose a citation style.
5. Choose how to store your citations. There are two choices
   1. Fields (recommended because it's more compatible with Microsoft Office).
   2. Bookmarks (useful if you plan to use LibreOffice and Word or you're sharing a document and not everyone is using the same word processor).
      
      

To insert in-text citations once you have set Document Preferences in Word:

1. Search for the citation by typing key words or phrases in the search bar:

2. Select the citation:

3. Press the Enter key on your keyboard and Zotero will add the citation at your cursor:

To insert a Bibliography once you have added in-text citations:

1. Place your cursor at the point in your document where you want to insert your bibliography
2. Click the "Add/Edit Bibliography" button:

3. Your bibliography will appear:

4. As you add new in-text citations, your bibliography will grow:

To change your citation style:

1. Click on the "Document Preferences" button in the Zotero toolbar at the top of the page:

2. Choose a new citation style from the popup window
   1. Here I've changed my citation style from Cell to Science.

The Zotero toolbar in Word should be automatically installed when you install Zotero Standalone. If you do not see it, see our FAQ on word processor integration for more information. And see our FAQ on citation styles if you need additional citation styles.