Using Zotero with Google Docs

Zotero can be used to create in-text citations, footnotes, and a bibliography in Google Docs.

Running Zotero with Google Docs

You will need to have installed both the Zotero desktop software and the Zotero browser extension to enable this functionality.

When the browser extension is installed, the Zotero menu and shortcut should be visible in Google Docs:

You may have to accept/allow an additional setting for Google Docs. You will be prompted for this the first time you try to use the Zotero function.

Inserting an in-text citation:

1. Select the "Z" shortcut or "add/edit citation" from the Zotero menu.
2. In the Zotero search bar, search for the reference you want from your Zotero library. You can search by author, title, or other tags.
3. Select the reference you want from the list and hit the "enter" key to insert the in-text citation.

Inserting a bibliography/works cited/references list:

1. Move your cursor to the end of your document and/or to a new page.
2. Select the Zotero drop-down menu (not the shortcut).
3. Select "add/edit bibliography"

Selecting / Changing the citation style:

1. Select the Zotero drop-down menu (not the shortcut).
2. Select "document preferences"
3. Select the citation style you want from the list and hit "OK."
4. If the style you want is not listed, or if you need to edit a style, select "manage styles" (below the list) to open more advanced options in the desktop software.
5. If the document does not update automatically, select "refresh" in the Zotero menu.

Common questions/issues:

"Is Zotero running?" message

You will need to have the desktop software open and running in the background. Trying to insert a citation without having the desktop application open will give you an "Is Zotero running?" error message. It's an easy fix: just open Zotero and then retry.

I clicked a button and nothing is happening / Stuck on "Zotero is updating your document" message

Sometimes the "add citation," "preferences," etc. popup window appears "behind" your browser window so it's not immediately visible.

1. Hover your mouse cursor over the Zotero desktop icon in the footer.
2. Click on the window you want to bring it to the front.
3. This may be the "quick format citation" window for inserting a citation or the "document preferences" window for selecting/changing citation style.