Q. How do I import citations from a file into Zotero?

You can import files that contain bibliographic information! These files end in .bib, .ris, or .rdf. Plus, if you have a .txt file that is formatted like a bibliographic file, you can import that, as well.

To import files into Zotero Standalone:

1. Go to file (top, left corner)

2. Select import

3. Zotero will ask ‘Where do you want to import from?’ There are two choices.

• A file (BibTeX, RIS, Zotero RDF, etc.)

• Mendeley Reference Manager (online import)

4. Choose ‘A file…’ and click ‘Next’

5. Locate your file, select it, and click ‘Open’

6. Zotero will then offer some options:

• The first is a checkbox to ‘Place imported collection and items into a new collection’

  • If you want to keep track of the files you have imported, keep this box checked. Otherwise Zotero will add the items to ‘My Library’ without organizing them

• Next there is an option about ‘File Handling’

  • Copy files to the Zotero storage folder

  • Link to files in original location

7. Choose ‘Copy files to the Zotero storage folder’ click ‘Next.’ 

   1. This is the best choice so that you don’t lose access to original files later.

8. An ‘Import Complete’ window pops up when the items have been imported

9. Click ‘Finish’ and you will see a folder under ‘My Library’ with the same name as your imported file