Q. How do I use advanced search in Zotero?

To use advanced search in Zotero:

1. Click on the icon that looks like a magnifying glass at the top of the center panel in Zotero.
   
   

2. Select a library (My Library or a group library) from the ‘Search in library’ drop down menu.
   
   

3. Choose any or all from the ‘Match’ drop down menu

   1. All will narrow your search. Zotero will only return results that include every search term.

   2. Any will broaden your search. Zotero will return results that include any search term on its own or any combination of search terms.
      
      

4. Set your search terms

   1. Choose a field to search from the first drop down menu. For example, title, publication, tag.
      
      

   2. Choose to limit your search from the second drop down menu. For example, contains, begins with, is not.
      
      

   3. Enter your search term in the blank field.

   4. If you want to add additional search terms, click on the plus sign to the right of the text field.
      
      

5. Decide if you want to use the additional check boxes.

   1. Search subcollections — If you have subcollections, you may want to check this box.

   2. Show only top-level items — If you have notes or other attachments that may match your search terms but the related citation does not, you may want to check this box.

   3. Include parent and child items of matching items — If you have notes or other attachments that may match your search terms in addition to related citations, you may want to check this box.

6. Click search

   1. Zotero will display the results at the bottom of the Advanced Search window
      
      

To save an advanced search in Zotero:

1. Follow instructions 1-5 above to set your search terms and click on ‘Search’

   1. Zotero will display the results at the bottom of the Advanced Search window

2. Click on ‘Save Search’  and name your saved search
   
   

3. Note that your saved search is now in your list of folders (or collections) but the folder icon has a magnifying glass on it.
   
   

Saving searches is a great way to organize your citations. A saved search is always kept up-to-date with any items you add to Zotero later.