Zotero: A Beginner's Guide

Zotero Layout

Zotero is laid out in three columns with the toolbar on the top
  • Left column: Organization - My Library, along with folders you create - by subject, item type, idea, etc.
  • Center column: The list of items in My Library (all references) or the references in the folders you created
  • Right column: Detailed information about a specific reference you selected in the center column

Zotero Navigation Icons

The following Icons are being used by Zotero (application) to explain different functionalities and applications:

From left to right:

 

 

 

  • The icon is to create a new collection/folder or sub-collection within a My Library or a subfolder with a Group Library
  • NOTE: Create Group library folders on the Zotero site (see Group tab on left)

 

 

 

  • The first icon allows you to create a reference/citation manually (many options)
  • The wand icon allows you to enter a standard number (e.g. ISBN, DOI) and have Zotero find/import reference
  • The third icon allows you to attach a file (e.g. article PDF) to any reference
  • The note icon allows you to add a new note to any reference

NOTE: There is also a Search box on the toolbar that searches your Zotero Library. Select "Everything" to even search the PDFs.