How do you find and use Zotero plugins and extensions to enhance your research workflow?

1 Finding plugins and extensions

The first step to using plugins and extensions is to find them. Zotero has a dedicated page on its website where you can browse and download various plugins and extensions for different purposes and platforms. You can also search for them on the Zotero forums, where other users and developers share their creations and feedback. Some plugins and extensions are also available on third-party websites or repositories, but be careful to check their compatibility and reliability before installing them.

2 Installing plugins and extensions

Once you have found a plugin or extension that you want to use, you need to install it on your Zotero application. The installation process may vary depending on the type and source of the plugin or extension, but generally you will need to download a file (usually with a .xpi or .zotero-plugin extension) and then drag and drop it into the Zotero window. Alternatively, you can go to the Tools menu in Zotero and select Add-ons, then click on the gear icon and choose Install Add-on From File. You may need to restart Zotero for the plugin or extension to take effect.

3 Using plugins and extensions

After installing a plugin or extension, you can begin to utilize it and improve your research workflow. Depending on the plugin or extension, you may need to adjust settings, access menus, or use keyboard shortcuts to activate it. For instance, ZotFile allows you to manage your attachments, such as renaming, moving, and extracting them. It's also possible to sync attachments with cloud storage services or mobile devices. Zutilo adds features and shortcuts to Zotero, including copying and pasting metadata, modifying tags, merging items, and more. ZoteroQuickLook enables users to preview their attachments in a pop-up window by pressing the spacebar without opening them in another application. Zotero LibreOffice Integration lets you insert citations and bibliographies from Zotero into LibreOffice documents and update them automatically. Additionally, Zotero Better BibTeX improves the compatibility and functionality of Zotero with BibTeX while adding features such as citation keys, auto-export, and more. These are just a few of the many plugins and extensions available for Zotero; there are many more options that can help make your research workflow more efficient and productive.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?