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Zotero

This guide provides in-depth instructions on how to use Zotero, organize sources, and create in-text citations and bibliographies.

Adding / Deleting PDFs, Images, and Other Files

When using the Browser Connector, Zotero automatically downloads the pdf full text, if available or takes a snapshot of a webpage. If the pdf file was not downloaded or you added a source record manually, use the Attach File option.

If you have a pdf file but haven't created a source record, you can drag and drop the pdf into the Library or a collection and Zotero will automatically create the record.

Note: If you are syncing with your online account, attached files take up significant space. To avoid running out of space, uncheck the sync full-text content to prevent files from being uploaded to your online account.

Attaching Files to a Reference

  1. Select the source in the collection list
  2. Click the Add Attachment button
  3. Select the way you want to attach the file
    1. Attach Link to URI...
      Use this option for large supplemental files like a streaming video to save on storage space.
    2. Attach Stored Copy of File...
      Use this option if you want to store a pdf with the source record
    3. Attach Link to File...
      Use the option to link to file on your computer. This helps save on storage space but you won't have access to the file from any other computer.
  4. Follow the prompts for the type of attachment you selected.
  5. Click the OK button.

Deleting File Attachments

  1. Click the arrow next to the source
  2. With the attached document displayed, right click on the file
  3. Select Move to Trash
    • If you are deleting documents to free up space, make sure you also empty your trash

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