Zotero
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Short answers arranged by topic. Expand a question for the full note.
Usage · Security · Compatibility · Legal · Groups & sync
Category
Usage
Yes. The application is free and open source. You only pay if you choose extra cloud file storage beyond the free sync quota.
No. A local library works without signing in. Create an account for sync or group libraries.
No. Zotero is primarily a desktop program. Sync adds a web library, but full features expect the installed app on each computer you use heavily.
Zotero supports many workflows (collections, tags, plugins, groups). Start with capture and one writing plugin. See the library guide for a simpler mental model.
Category
Security
Zotero is open source and maintained by an independent nonprofit. Independent scans of the Windows package have reported clean results (virus, spyware, and malware free). Still verify version 10.0 and the expected filename before you run it.
Heuristic engines often scrutinize new EXE files. Cross-check size (~104 MB for Windows x64), publisher, and hashes when available. Follow the antivirus steps.
No. The project states it has no financial interest in your private information. Data stays on your computer unless you opt into sync.
Category
Compatibility
Yes. Requirements list Windows 10 or later. Zotero 10 includes fixes for Windows 11 PDF and EPUB system-handler detection.
Chrome and Edge (current Stable or Extended Stable), Firefox 115+, and Safari 16.6+ on macOS 11+. See system requirements.
Yes. Zotero integrates with Google Docs as well as Word and LibreOffice, with support for more than 9,000 citation styles.
Category
Legal and licensing
Zotero is free and open source under the AGPL. You may use it without payment and inspect the source.
Yes for typical research and writing workflows, subject to the software license and your employer or funder policies. You remain responsible for copyright compliance on the PDFs and articles you store.
Your bibliographic data and attachments remain under your control on disk. Export and backup are available so you are not locked into a proprietary database format.
Category
Groups and sync
You can share a Zotero library with as many people as you like at no cost for the group sharing feature itself. Cloud file storage quotas still apply to synced files.
Bibliographic data may continue to sync while attachment sync pauses. Free space, stop syncing some files, or add storage. Local copies on disk are not deleted simply because cloud quota is full.
Start with the guides on this site. University libraries often offer Zotero workshops. Community forums exist for developer-attended support discussions.