zotero plugin safari mac

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FAQ: How do I activate the Zotero extension in Safari?

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Last Updated: Jul 18, 2023     Views: 2413

The Zotero Connector for Safari is bundled with the Zotero desktop application. To activate the Zotero browser extension for Safari, follow these steps:

• Make sure you have Zotero installed  on your computer, then open Zotero
• Open Safari
• In the menu for the browser, click on the  Safari  menu >  Settings  (may show as Preferences ) >  Extensions
• Click on the checkbox next to the Zotero extension
• Finally, click on the  Turn on button to activate

Your Zotero extension should now be enabled for Safari. You will be able to tell that it's working if you see a document or Zotero symbol in the top right of the URL bar in Safari . You will need to keep Zotero open while you are using the browser extension so it can communicate with the program.

If the above step do not work, you may have privacy settings set up in a way that prevents Safari from activating the extension. If you see a privacy prompt, click on the OK button, then quit Safari and re-open. You will need to repeat steps 2 - 4, then click on the  Turn On  button for the extension to be activated.

If you need additional assistance with Zotero, please refer to the library's Zotero Guide , Cite Right with Zotero video or make an appointment with  Kimberly Jackson, STEM Librarian . 

• 5 Steps to Using Zotero
• Adding the Browser Connector
• Creating an Online Account
• Syncing to Online Account
• Browser Add-on (Connector)
• Search Results List
• Google Scholar
• RIS / other file formats
• Manually Add a Source
• Collections / Folders
• Moving / Deleting Sources
• PDFs, Images, & Other Files
• Creating & Sharing Groups
• Modifying Source Records
• Select, Change, Add a Style
• Insert In-text Citations
• Create Bibliographies
• Remove Zotero field codes
• Troubleshooting Plug-in
• Transferring from Other Platforms
• Source Management Comparison Chart
• Zotero Plug-in not Visible
• Error Messages
• Unexpected behavior

Adding the Connector to Your Browser

Zotero provides a browser connector for Firefox, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. There is no compatible connector for Internet Explorer.

This page provides instructions for Firefox, Chrome, Microsoft Edge ( step-by-step and video ), and Safari ( step-by-step and video )

Step-by-Step Instructions for Firefox, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge

• Go to the Downloads page on Zotero.org
• The system will automatically recognize which browser you are using
• Follow the installation prompts from your browser
• The connector icon will appear in your browser's toolbar or add-on menu In Chrome, pin the add-on so it will be visible all of the time For Firefox and Edge, you may need to close the browser and reopen it if the Connector isn't visible

Browser Connector Video Instructions for Firefox, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge

Step-by-Step Instructions for Safari

The Zotero Browser Connector for Safari is bundled with the Zotero app when it is downloaded and installed.

The Zotero Connector for Safari requires at least Safari 15 on macOS 11 Big Sur or later.

• Open the Zotero desktop app
• Open Safari
• From the Safari drop down menu, select Preferences.
• In the Preferences pop-up window, choose the Extensions tab
• In the left sidebar, check the Zotero Connector option
• The Browser Connector icon should appear in the upper right bar of the Sarari window
• You can now search for and add sources to your Zotero Library

Step-by-Step Video Instructions for Safari

**video coming soon**

How May I Help?

• << Previous: Installing the Desktop App
• Next: Creating an Online Account >>
• Last Updated: Apr 6, 2024 1:16 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.illinoisstate.edu/zotero

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• How to Use Zotero
• Zotero and ZoteroBib
• Install Zotero
• Install Zotero browser connector
• Create a Zotero account (optional)
• Set Zotero preferences
• Create collections
• Add references from a list of results
• Add references from a single result
• Add references from PDFs
• Attach full-text articles already on your computer to your references
• Attach full-text articles to your references by double-clicking
• Attach full-text articles to your references using Library Lookup
• Attach full-text articles to your references using Google Scholar
• Attach full-text articles to multiple references using Find Available PDFs
• Edit references
• Annotate full-text articles in Zotero
• Create a bibliography in Zotero
• Create citations and a bibliography in Word (or Google Docs)
• Create and use group libraries
• Back up and restore your Zotero data

Full Transcript

• How to Use Zotero Full Transcript

Instructions

Zotero is compatible with Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.

For Chrome, Edge and Firefox

• After installing Zotero (see Install Zotero ), you should be redirected to the Zotero "Download" Web page for the appropriate browser extension. If not, return to the Zotero Download page ( https://www.zotero.org/download/ )
• Click on the "Install x Connector" button (x = name of browser) on the right to install the extension (follow all the steps and prompts to download the extension and then install it; procedures may vary based on the operating system and the browser)

The browser connector for Safari is included when you install Zotero (see Install Zotero ). To use the connector, it needs to be activated in Safari.

• Open Zotero on your Mac
• Open Safari
• From Safari, click “Safari” from the menu bar and select “Preferences”
• Select the “Extensions” tab
• Check the box next to the Zotero extension to enable it

Complete Instruction

• Installing Zotero
• Using Zotero

Task for learning: Install Zotero browser connector in your compatible browser of choice.

Review question:

All Review Questions

• How to Use Zotero Review Questions

If you have questions, or if you run into problems that the course does not address, e-mail the University of Ottawa Library at [email protected] .

This online course is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. Unless otherwise stated, it is attributed to Mish Boutet, and is based on handouts by Patrick Labelle (also under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 ).

[How to Use Zotero online course updated: November 8, 2022]

• << Previous: Install Zotero
• Next: Create a Zotero account (optional) >>
• Last Updated: Sep 7, 2023 3:41 PM
• URL: https://uottawa.libguides.com/how_to_use_zotero

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Zotero at University of Waterloo: Using Zotero with a Mac

• Install Zotero
• Importing Citations
• Organizing Your Library
• Syncing Your Data
• Bibliographies
• Google Docs
• Collaboration
• Searching Your Library
• Customizing to UW
• Using Zotero with a Mac
• Using Zotero with LaTeX and Overleaf
• Credits and contact

How does Zotero on a Mac compare to Zotero on a PC?

While Zotero functions very similarly on a Mac, when compared to a PC, the interface looks slightly different. This page of the Zotero guide aims to outline these differences and address any questions that may arise while using this guide to navigate Zotero on a Mac computer.

Thank you to Megan Palmer for the content of this tab!

Thank you to Megan Palmer for creating this page.

Install differences on a Mac

When installing the Mac version of Zotero (6.0), the Zotero application includes the Safari connector and does not require you to download the connector separate from the Zotero application install. 

After opening Zotero 6.0 for the first time, you can enable it from the Extensions pane of the Safari preferences. The Zotero Connector for Safari requires Safari 15 on macOS 11 Big Sur or later. If you experience issues with the Safari connector, check out the documentation on the Zotero website (UC Berkley).

• Zotero Connector Documentation

Safari and the Zotero Connector

When you are using the Zotero connector on a Mac computer the Zotero folder or PDF button will be located on the left of your search bar and these icons will be muted out or look different than the other icons on this guide (as displayed in the screenshot). On a PC, your Zotero icon will be located to the far right of your browser of choice and your icons will look like the other icons on this guide.

When on a page with only one record available with a PDF, you will see a PDF symbol to the left of your search bar. Select this PDF icon to import the record and PDF to Zotero. 

Differences when linking your UW library to Zotero

Follow these steps while using a Mac computer to link your UW library account to your Zotero library:

• Open your Zotero desktop application.
• At the top left of your entire desktop screen, select the drop-down menu for "Zotero" (see screenshot below).
• Select "Preferences."
• In new window that opens, select "Advanced" (see screenshot below).
• Navigate to the empty resolver field, and enter this URL: https://ocul-wtl.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/openurl?institution=01OCUL_WTL&vid=01OCUL_WTL:WTL_DEFAULT&
• Note: Your Mac does not have a "Ok" button in this window the same way that a PC would, this is why you must select enter and close out of the window manually.
• You have now linked your UW library account to your Mac Zotero application! 

• << Previous: Customizing to UW
• Next: Using Zotero with LaTeX and Overleaf >>
• Last Updated: Oct 11, 2023 11:40 AM
• URL: https://subjectguides.uwaterloo.ca/zotero

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Zotero: Self-Guided Tutorial

• About Zotero

Install Both Parts!

Step 1: download and install the program, step 2: download the connector(s).

• Adding Items to your Zotero Library
• Organizing your Zotero Library
• Creating Bibliographies and In-Text Citations
• Sychronize/Back up your Zotero Library
• Shared libraries
• Importing/Exporting from Other Reference Managers
• Mobile Zotero

To use Zotero, you'll need to install two things:

• The Zotero application itself
• A connector to allow your browser to save citations to Zotero

Both of these are available from  the Zotero download page .

The first step is to download and install the program from  zotero.org .  It is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.  

You can then find the program in your programs or applications list or folder.

Connectors  allow your web browser to save citations to your Zotero library.

Zotero works with  Firefox, Chrome, Safari **  and Edge .

The  Zotero downloads page  should automatically detect what browser you're using and give you a link.

Each browser has its own version of the Zotero connector, so install the one for the browser you use.

Each browser puts the connector in a slightly different place.  See below:

With Chrome, make sure you click the puzzle piece and "pin" the Zotero connector to your browser interface.

** Since the release of Safari 13, the Safari connector has been broken, due to Apple locking down their browser to extensions. If you are a Mac user, please use either the Chrome or Firefox browser and extension instead.

• << Previous: About Zotero
• Next: Adding Items to your Zotero Library >>
• Last Updated: Sep 5, 2023 10:12 AM
• URL: https://libguides.montevallo.edu/ZoteroTutorial

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Zotero: install zotero.

• Install Zotero
• Importing Citations
• Organizing Your Library
• Syncing Your Data
• Bibliographies
• Google Docs
• Zotero's PDF reader
• Collaboration
• Searching Your Library

Additional help

Additional documentation, along with more instructional videos, is available at Zotero's web site .

The Library sometimes offers workshops on Zotero and other citation management tools. We will do so "on demand" if a minimum of 5 students will be in attendance. You can also email questions to Jennifer Dorner at the Social Research Library,  David Eifler at the Environmental Design Library, or Lisa Ngo at the Engineering Library.

What is Zotero and why would I use it?

Zotero is a tool that collects, manages, and cites the sources you find during your research. In addition to saving a citation, you can add notes and images in your Zotero library and in many cases automatically download PDFs.

You can use Zotero to...

• Create and organize a personal database of references
• Import references automatically from many websites and library E-resources
• Format bibliographies in your papers

Why choose Zotero over another tool, like RefWorks or Endnote?

• Your Zotero library is saved locally and though it is possible for you to create a cloud space and sync your citations, it requires you to adjust your settings on every computer you use Zotero with. If you do your research and writing mostly on one or two computers, Zotero is a great option.
• Zotero can be used offline -- an internet connection is not necessary to work with your Zotero library.
• Learning to use Zotero is easy

Where do I find Zotero?

Download Zotero from  https://www.zotero.org/download/

1. Download the Zotero application for your operating system. If you plan to use Zotero with a word processor, close all word processing applications before running the installer.

2. When installing the Zotero connector, the option you are given depends on which browser you are using to access the page. In the example above, I used Chrome to access the Zotero site, so it prompted me to install the Chrome connector.  Connectors are also available for Firefox and Edge. Use those browsers to access the Zotero page if you want to install their connectors. You can add as many connectors as you want -- they will all connect to your Zotero application. 

Note : The Zotero Connector for Safari is bundled with Zotero 6.0. After opening Zotero 6.0 for the first time, you can enable it from the Extensions pane of the Safari preferences. The Zotero Connector for Safari requires Safari 15 on macOS 11 Big Sur or later. If you experience issues with the Safari connector, check out the documentation on the Zotero website.

Getting Started with Zotero

Zotero provides the ability to save references from many library catalogs and article databses with one click. Your Zotero library allows you to organize and edit the entries.

Collections: The left column shows My Library, which contains all the items. Clicking the button above the left column creates a new collection, a folder into which items relating to a specific project or topic can be placed.

Below that is the tag selector, where tags assigned to items can be added or removed.

Items : The items pane displays a list of all the items in each collection with icons that indicate the type of item (book, article, thesis, screenshot, etc.).

Item Details: This pane displays the bibliographic information that was imported by Zotero for each item. Each field can be edited. There are also options to add additional notes, attachments, links to the original sources, tags, and subject headings.

• Next: Importing Citations >>
• Last Updated: Feb 5, 2024 10:09 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/zotero

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Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari extensions for Zotero

zotero/zotero-connectors

Folders and files, repository files navigation, zotero connectors.

• git clone --recursive https://github.com/zotero/zotero-connectors.git
• cd zotero-connectors
• npm install
• ./build.sh -d

The connectors are built in build/ .

Running from the build directory

• Go to chrome://extensions/
• Enable "Developer Mode".
• Click "Load unpacked extension…" and select the build/browserExt directory.
• Go to about:debugging
• Click "Load Temporary Add-on" and select the build/browserExt/manifest.json file.
• Get and install the Mozilla web-ext tool
• cd to project root
• ./scripts/firefox/run_xpi

See https://github.com/zotero/safari-app-extension

Automatic rebuilding/reloading

Chrome on macos.

• brew install chrome-cli
• npm install -g gulp
• build.sh -d
• gulp watch-chrome

As files are changed, the connectors will be rebuilt automatically and Chrome will reload the extension.

• ./scripts/firefox/run_xpi (in a different terminal window)

As files are changed, the connectors will be rebuilt automatically and Firefox will reload the extension.

As files are changed, the connectors will be rebuilt automatically. You will need to manually reload the extension in the browser being developed for.

Requirements for packaging extensions from the command line

• Copy config.sh-sample to config.sh and modify as necessary
• Safari/Chrome extension certificates
• Google Chrome or Chromium
• xar with patch for building Safari extensions

To run tests locally, build the extension with the -d flag, and then run

Test files are located at src/common/test . See src/common/test/testSetup.js for test framework documentation

Zotero Connectors are built with standard tools, such as browser extension APIs, but the architecture is quite complex. This section is a short overview of some of the complexities, to make it more accessible for newcomers.

Technologies

Chrome/firefox browser extension framework.

The functionality exposed on Chrome and Firefox is provided by the Chrome extension framework, which has also been adopted by Firefox. See Chrome Extension docs and Firefox Extension docs for more information.

Safari Extension Framework

For Safari specifics see https://github.com/zotero/safari-app-extension

Zotero Translator Framework

The Connectors share code with Zotero desktop application , to support translation. A basic understanding of how translation works or at least the handlers it exposes in Zotero will be highly useful in understanding the codebase.

Saving resources to Zotero library is facilitated by two major components: the Zotero Connector running in the browser and either the Zotero client or zotero.org web api. The Zotero Connector itself is split into two components: code running on the webpage and a background process.

a) Injected scripts for individual webpages

Each webpage is injected ( Chrome / Firefox / Safari ) with a full Zotero translation framework . A Zotero.Translate.Web instance orchestrates running individual translators for detection and translation.

The translation framework shares some code with the Zotero codebase and provides custom classes concerning translator retrieval and item saving . These custom classes talk to the background process (b) of the Zotero Connector for functionality outside the translation framework, such as retrieving translator code and sending translated items either to Zotero (c) or zotero.org (d).

b) Background process

The Connector runs a background process ( Chrome / Firefox / Safari ) which works as a middle-layer between the translation framework running in inject scripts (a) and Zotero (c) or zotero.org (d).

The background process maintains a cache of translators and performs the initial translator detection using URL matching . Translators whose target regexp matches the URL of a given webpage are then further tested by running detectWeb() in injected scripts. A list of translators and their code is fetched either from Zotero (c) or zotero.org (d) .

The background process is also responsible for updating the extension UI, kicking off translations, storing and retrieving connector preferences and sending translated items to Zotero or zotero.org. Browser specific scripts are available for BrowserExt and Safari .

c) Connector server in Zotero

When Zotero is open it runs a connector HTTP server on port 23119. The HTTP server API accommodates interactions between the Connectors and Zotero client. Calls to Zotero.Connector.callMethod(endpoint) in this codebase are translated to HTTP requests to the connector server.

Note that Zotero cannot interact with the connectors on its own accord. All communication is Connector initiated.

d) zotero.org API

When Zotero is not available item saving falls back to using zotero.org API . The interactions with zotero.org API are defined in api.js

Message passing

The only way for the background extension process and injected scripts to communicate is using the message passing protocol provided by the browsers ( Chrome / Firefox / Safari ). Injected scripts often need to communicate to background scripts. To simplify these interactions, calls to functions in background scripts are monkey-patched in injected scripts. These calls are asynchronous and if a return value is required, it is provided either to a callback function as the last argument of the call or as a resolving value of a promise returned.

messages.js contains the list of the monkey-patched methods. If the method value is false no response is expected, otherwise the calls provide a response. An optional pre-send processing on the background end and post-receive processing on the injected end is possible to treat values that cannot be sent as-is via the messaging protocol.

The background process registers message listeners in messaging.js . Zotero.Messaging class also provides a way to send messages to injected scripts and add custom message listeners.

The injected scripts monkey-patch methods in messaging_injected.js ( BrowserExt / Safari ) Zotero.Messaging class also provides a way to send messages to the background process and add message listeners.

Build process

The build process combines files from the Zotero codebase, common files to all connectors and specific files for Chrome/Firefox/Safari connectors. At the moment the build process is awkward and uses a SH script and gulp procedures. This will be reconciled in the future to only use gulp.

• build.sh copies images and extension files
• gulp process-custom-files initiated by build.sh performs post-processing on copied files

If you have any questions about developing Zotero Connectors you can join the discussion in the zotero-dev mailing list .

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• Harvard Library
• Research Guides

Why Use Zotero?

Download & installation, recommended setup.

• Add Sources to Zotero
• Create Citations & Bibliographies
• Organize Your Zotero Library
• Annotate & Take Notes
• Share & Collaborate
• Store & Back up Your Files
• Zotero on iPad and iPhone
• Help & FAQs
• Classes & Community

Installing Zotero is easy, but it's important to note that it happens in two parts: the desktop application and the browser extension. To install both, go to zotero.org/download . 

• Download the desktop application installer  (on the left), open it, and follow the prompts.  Make sure that Microsoft Word is closed during the Zotero installation. If not, the Zotero Word plugin may not install correctly. 
• Important: You will have to open the download page in each browser you may want to use and install the extension in each browser separately. (The Zotero extension works in Firefox , Chrome , and Edge , as well as in other Chromium-based browsers.) 
• Also good to know: In Safari , the browser extension is automatically installed when you install the desktop application. To activate it, go to the Safari preferences > Extensions > toggle the Zotero Connector to on. 

To make sure that the installation worked properly , check the following: 

• On your computer, do you see the Zotero icon (a red Z) in your start menu (on Windows) or in your Applications folder or Launchpad (on MacOS)? If yes, you're good to go. If not, re-run the installer. 
• How to troubleshoot issues with the Zotero Connector extension for Chrome.  
• How to troubleshoot issues with the Zotero Connector extension for Safari.  
• How to troubleshoot issues with the Zotero plug-in for Microsoft Word  (on Zotero.org).
• How to troubleshoot issues with the Zotero integration for Google Docs  (on Zotero.org; you may need to look at the Zotero Forums to find an answer to your specific issue). 

You can start using Zotero out of the box, as is, but here are a few configurations we'd like to recommend: 

Create a Zotero account (and sync with the cloud)

A Zotero account allows you to

• sync your local Zotero library on your computer into the cloud, which is great if you need to switch computers or if you work on multiple computers simultaneously; 
• collaborate and share libraries with other Zotero users; 
• store unlimited files in the cloud, as long as you use your Harvard email to register for the account. 

To sign up for a Zotero account , simply go to the registration page , fill out and submit the form, wait for the confirmation email and click on the confirmation link it will contain, and you should be good to go. 

Next, set up syncing :

• Open your Zotero app. 
• on Windows, in the Edit menu; 
• on MacOS, in the Zotero menu; 
• on iOS, go to Settings [the cog symbol in the top right corner], then Account. 
• Note: If you're concerned about storage space on your hard drive, set the two dropdowns under "file syncing" to "download files as needed." 

Finally, we recommend adding an additional email address to your Zotero account as a failsafe, especially once you leave Harvard.

• Go to your account settings on Zotero.org (make sure you're logged in!).
• Enter another email address in the field below your already registered email.
• Wait for the email sent to the newly added address, click on the confirmation link contained in it.
• Refresh the account settings page to double-check that you now have a second email listed. 

Other recommended tweaks  

• In the General tab, uncheck "Automatically tag items with keywords and subject headings." This setting will allow you to create and maintain your own tags instead of creating unwanted clutter. [ more information on tags ]
• In the Cite tab, open the Word Processors tab & check the box next to "Use Classic Add Citation dialog." This setting allows you to view your Zotero library and collections the same way you see them in the desktop app when you insert citations in Word or Google Docs . [ more information on using the Word and Google Docs plugins ] 
• In the  Advanced tab, open the dropdown under "OpenURL," go to "North America," and then select Harvard. In the resolver field, you should now see the following URL: https://hollis.harvard.edu/openurl/01HVD/HVD_URL? . This setting allows you to search for the full text of a citation using Harvard Library subscription resources. [ more information on locating online versions of citations (on Zotero.org)] 
• Also in the Advanced tab, change the Zotero language to English if your computer is set to another language.
• Next: Add Sources to Zotero >>

Except where otherwise noted, this work is subject to a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , which allows anyone to share and adapt our material as long as proper attribution is given. For details and exceptions, see the Harvard Library Copyright Policy ©2021 Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College.

What's Zotero?

Getting started - zotero desktop, zotero online, zotero connector: browser plug-in, zotero for ios.

• Storage: Now Unlimited!
• Adding Items to Zotero
• Writing with Zotero
• Group Libraries
• Special Features
• Manage your CV with Zotero
• Return to Citation Resources

Zotero (zoh-tair-oh) is a free, open source software owned by the Corporation for Digital Scholarship. There is a global community of users that create plugins and develop tutorials for its use.

As a citation management tool, Zotero helps you collect, organize, and manage research sources and cite them in your writing.

Compatibility:

• Compatible Operating Systems: OS, iOS, Windows, and Linux
• Plug-In Compatible Browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari
• Word Processor Compatibility: GoogleDocs, Microsoft Word, LibreOffice

This guide aims to give you the basics to start using Zotero. Please use the Quick Start Guide or the other support documentation below to become a Zotero pro! If you have questions or need help with Zotero, contact your subject librarian .

Click to Download Zotero

• Zotero Quick Start Guide
• Zotero Support Documentation
• Zotero Cheat Sheet
• Zotero: Your Turn! Access a list of exercises to practice using Zotero.

The Zotero Desktop app is the best way to access your library as it has the most functionality of the three access points. Zotero desktop does not require any other Zotero plug-ins or accounts to work, but they are recommended. Zotero desktop also does not require an internet connection to create citations or bibliographies from the items in your library. 

Once Zotero is installed, it's time to set up your preferences

To set up your Zotero Desktop, find the preferences menu.

On Mac menu bar: Zotero → Settings

On Windows menu bar: Edit → Preferences

Preference Options:

• Here you can control whether Zotero automatically takes snapshots of webpages, attaches PDFs to items in your library, or creates items from imported PDFs.
• Sync: Connect your Zotero account and set up data and file syncing.
• Search: Select settings for full-text search.
• Export: Choose your preferred citation format for quick citations.
• Enable the Microsoft Word or LibreOffice add in here to generate citations while you write.
• Find the Dartmouth link resolver by selecting to Advanced → General → OpenURL  → North America  → Dartmouth College

Learn more about using Zotero, adding citations, and creating bibliographies in other sections of this guide.

To make the most of Zotero, you should register for a free account. This gives you access to many of the features of Zotero, from anywhere with an internet connection. You will also need a Zotero account to:

• Create a back-up your library through auto-sync.
• To create shared group libraries & be added to group libraries.
• Use the Zotero Connector when Zotero Desktop is not open (if you choose to enable this option).
• Use Zotero iOS

Register for a Zotero account here

Once you've created an account, be sure to connect it to your Zotero desktop app in the preferences menu ( Zotero  → Settings  → Sync ) here (screenshots from Zotero Desktop for Mac):

Create an account from the preferences window or add your Zotero account log-in here. Select "Set Up Syncing."

Once you add your account, you have data syncing options:

• Sync automatically: Select this to back-up your Zotero desktop library to your Zotero online library. This setting will sync your items and their respective notes & metadata.
• Sync full-text content: Select this to sync an item's PDF, images, or other attachments from your desktop library to your online library.

Learn more about sync options here

The Zotero Connector allows you to add new items to your library as you browse online. With the click of a button, Zotero Connector will create an item of the appropriate type, populate the metadata, and download the PDF as available.

The connector is compatible with Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Safari (the Safari connector installed from Zotero Desktop).

Install the Zotero Connector for Chrome, Edge or Firefox

To install the Safari Connector, navigate on the menu bar to Safari → Preferences → Extensions , and check the box to the left of "Zotero Connector."

You can ask the Zotero Connector in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox can work in two ways:

• Only when Zotero desktop is open
• When Zotero desktop is closed, enable a connection to online Zotero library

To mange these preferences, you will need to update the preferences inside the Zotero Connector. This should be accessible through your browser's Add-on menu (often shaped like a puzzle piece) in Chrome, Edge Firefox. These settings can be controlled under "General."

Inside the add-on menu, under "Advanced" is where you will enable the integration for Google Docs. We'll talk more about this when we talk about adding citations.

NOTE: The Zotero Connector for Safari does not include these options, and the Zotero Connector for Chrome automatically adds Zotero to GoogleDocs.

• Allows you to collect citations and connect PDFS
• Organize and edit citations
• Annotate PDFs
• Generate citations in any citation format
• Share in group libraries

You may need to change some of your sync preferences in your Zotero settings. You'll want the PDF to be accessible in your Zotero online library to use it via iOS Zotero.

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• Last Updated: Feb 13, 2024 2:33 PM
• URL: https://researchguides.dartmouth.edu/zotero

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Why is Zotero Safari Extension no longer supported in Safari 12?

I was so disappointed today when I foolishly allowed updates to run on my Mac and found that my Zotero bibliography manager extension was no longer supported. For literally decades, I have bragged to my Windows friends about the Mac's strong, independent developer community providing every kind of functionality imaginable at low cost on the world's most reliable computers. Now with Safari 12, I will have to move to Chrome in order to continue to use Zotero, the bibliography software I depend on for my doctoral research. And I hate Chrome! But not as much as I hate Firefox. I'll miss you, Safari.

I'm so disappointed, Apple!

MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016), iOS 11.4.1

Posted on Sep 18, 2018 12:20 PM

Posted on Sep 19, 2018 6:10 AM

The open access Zotero programmers state that they can not do anything. They recommend to not use Safari any more ⚠ The plugins for Firefox and Google browsers still work! Users on their blog recommend a software and command line entry to reactivate the plugin in Safari, but am always cautious with installing something via command line.

https://forums.zotero.org/discussion/72255/zotero-safari-extension-not-working-w ith-new-os-beta-10-14#latest

Give new life to old extensions in Safari 12 - Six Colors

Guess Apple wants us all to switch top Firefox or Chrome...

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Sep 19, 2018 6:10 AM in response to Eric Root

Oct 4, 2018 10:45 AM in response to gonzulo

Uh, no. Apple is no longer allowing old extensions that are written using old APIs. I have several extensions running in Safari 12 right now.

If your statement were true, there wouldn't even be an Extensions tab in Safari's preferences anymore.

Sep 18, 2018 1:22 PM in response to Eric Root

The developers say that with Safari 12 and Mojave, Safari Extensions will only be allowed for apps distributed on the AppStore. Zotero is an academic, open-source project that doesn't fit the AppStore model, particularly because of the need for frequent updates for something like bibliography software. Essentially, there is no longer a way for them to make the Extension compatible without rewriting it from scratch.

Disclaimer: I am not a programmer so I don't claim to fully understand what's behind this change.

Sep 18, 2018 1:26 PM in response to Markaroni

Can you turn it back on? I'm still using an older extension version of AdGuard on my Mac. Safari 12 disabled it and said it would slow my browser down. The extension was still there in the preferences. All I had to do was turn it back on.

Sep 18, 2018 1:54 PM in response to Kurt Lang

Nope. Unfortunately, Safari Extensions is now linked directly to the AppStore. My 1Password extension is still there but Zotero is gone. It's just sad when something so useful and yet free get's disabled.

Thanks for trying, though! I appreciate it.

Sep 19, 2018 11:07 AM in response to Markaroni

Terrible, my whole lab uses Zotero for scientific annotation. We are in the middle of many processes and can not just use other referencing software - we use joint libraries. We have many manuscripts and grants in the pipeline. I am very angry and disappointed. Apple should immediately contact Zotero and reactivate the plugin (which is now declared as unsafe). Automatic updates will be inactivated on our computers from now on. Catastrophic advertisement against Apple!

Sep 18, 2018 12:29 PM in response to Markaroni

Have you checked for an update? If you know who the Developer is, you could contact them to see if they plan to update the extension.

Sep 19, 2018 11:07 AM in response to mac_user112

You've confirmed my own conclusions. Thanks and good luck!

Oct 1, 2018 5:32 AM in response to Markaroni

Unfortunately, this is the only thing to do for the moment. I depend on Zotero for my research.

Farewell, Safari 😠

Oct 1, 2018 11:11 AM in response to mac_user112

The open access Zotero programmers state that they can not do anything.

That's a bit lame. They can do something. They need to rewrite the extension in a newer format.

Oct 4, 2018 1:36 AM in response to Kurt Lang

It's not a problem from Zotero: it's Apple who doesn't allow third party' extensions now. That's is lame.

• Zotero 6: Your research workflow, transformed

We’re thrilled to announce the release of Zotero 6, the next major version of Zotero and the biggest upgrade in Zotero’s history. Zotero 6 introduces an array of new features to transform how you do research, including a completely new way of working with PDFs and notes.

PDF Reader and New Note Editor

With Zotero 6, you can now:

• Open PDFs in a new built-in reader within the main Zotero window, in a new tabbed interface
• Clean up metadata for items while viewing your PDFs
• Mark up PDFs with highlights, notes, and image annotations
• Add annotations to Zotero notes with automatic citations, in a powerful new note editor
• Cite other items directly in notes using Zotero’s familiar citation dialog
• Insert notes into your Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs documents with active Zotero citations for automatically generating bibliographies
• Export notes to external Markdown editors with links back to Zotero items and PDFs

Together with Zotero’s powerful saving abilities and word processor plugins, Zotero can now help you with the entire path from an interesting item online to a cited quote in your final document.

Seamless Annotation Syncing

Like all Zotero library data, the annotations you create will automatically sync across all your Zotero devices. There’s no need to close a PDF on one computer or worry about losing annotations due to sync conflicts.

In addition to annotating your own files, you can also create PDF annotations in group libraries, allowing you to collaboratively mark up PDFs with other group members and immediately see each other’s changes.

Zotero’s PDF reader syncs with our new Zotero iOS app , allowing you to highlight and take notes on your iPad or iPhone and then quickly pull those annotations into a note or word processor document when you’re back at your computer. You can even view ink annotations made with an Apple Pencil.

PDFs will open automatically to your current page, no matter what device you last used.

Annotations in Notes

Annotations added to notes aren’t just plain text: they include information about the source PDF that lets you quickly jump back to the original page to see context, generate bibliography entries using Zotero’s word processor plugins, toggle annotation colors on and off, include links back to Zotero when exporting to Markdown, and even restore accidentally deleted citations to make sure you’ve properly attributed a quote.

With note templates , you can customize the format of the annotations you add.

If you previously used the ZotFile extension to extract PDF annotations to Zotero notes, you can now use Zotero directly and benefit from these new features.

Adding Notes to Word Processors

Markdown Export

Notes now have their own Quick Copy setting, with a choice between Markdown + Rich Text or raw HTML. You can copy or drag notes from the items list, or even individual annotations from the PDF reader, directly to an external editor, with Markdown links back to the item and PDF page associated with annotations.

Embedded Images in Notes

Zotero notes now support embedded images. You can drag in images from your computer or the web, and they’ll sync to your other devices. You can even create an image annotation in the PDF reader and drag it straight into a note to create a cited image in your document.

Additional Zotero 6 Features

Zotero 6 also continues to refine Zotero’s existing functionality and addresses some popular feature requests.

Non-English Spellchecking

If you write in a language other than English, you can now add over 40 dictionaries for spellchecking in Zotero notes. No more red squiggly lines!

Improved Mendeley and Citavi Import

If you’re currently a Mendeley user (or know one), Zotero’s built-in Mendeley importer will now import Mendeley annotations for use in the new PDF reader. And a new import process allows you to import your Mendeley data directly from the online library (despite the database encryption added by Elsevier that made it impossible to import from a local copy of your own Mendeley library).

Importing from Citavi will now bring in Citavi PDF annotations.

Bundled Safari Extension

For Mac users running Big Sur or later, the Zotero Connector for Safari is now bundled with Zotero and can be enabled from the Extensions pane of the Safari preferences.

Other Changes

For the full list of changes in Zotero 6, see the changelog .

Get Zotero 6

If you’re already running Zotero, you can upgrade from within Zotero by going to Help → “Check for Updates…”.

Don’t yet have Zotero? Get it now from the download page .

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 17th, 2022 at 1:14 pm by Dan Stillman and is filed under News .

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Overheating Mac every time I open the application.

• dstillman 5 days ago Can you provide a Debug ID for Zotero startup through a few minutes of this happening, using the "Restart with Logging Enabled…" option? Are you using any third-party plugins? When you say it crashes, do you mean that it freezes or quits completely? If you look in Activity Monitor while this is happening, what do you see for Zotero's CPU and memory usage?

Upload image file with the file dialog or by dragging and dropping images onto the dashed region