How much literature can Zotero manage?

Zotero library has no upper limit. But large local libraries affect performance; it is recommended to organize regularly, move unused literature out or build multiple libraries.

Which is better, Zotero or EndNote?

Both have advantages. Zotero is free with more plugins and better website capture; EndNote has better support for specific journal formats in submission and more mature team collaboration. For individual users doing academic research, Zotero is an excellent choice.

Can Zotero be used offline?

Yes. Zotero supports fully offline use, all functions work offline. Sync feature requires internet connection.

Literature Management Tutorial

Zotero Tutorial: The Free Open-Source Literature Management Tool

Zotero is a free and open-source literature management tool. This tutorial introduces Zotero installation, literature import, classification management, plugin installation and GB/T 7714 citation generation.

Go to format refinement page Learn GB/T 7714 format

What this page helps you do first

Zotero is free and open-source
Literature import and classification
Integrate with Word/WPS citations

Why recommend Zotero

Zotero is a free, open-source, powerful literature management tool. Compared with paid software like EndNote, Zotero is completely free for personal users, with an active community and rich plugins.

Zotero can automatically capture literature information from academic websites (such as CNKI, Web of Science, PubMed), saving the trouble of manual entry. It also supports multi-device synchronization through Zotero accounts.

Four steps for quick start

Download and install: Visit zotero.org, supports Windows, Mac, Linux
Install browser connector: Install Zotero Connector plugin in browser for one-click literature saving
Create library: Start adding literature, manually or automatically from websites
Install citation plugin: Install Zotero plugin in Word/WPS for one-click citation insertion

Efficient usage tips

Use Tags for supplementary classification: Besides folders, use tags to mark literature from different dimensions
Install plugins for enhanced features: Recommend ZotFile (auto PDF naming), Better BibTeX (custom citation keys)
Build literature notes: Zotero has built-in note-taking, can take notes while reading
Use sync feature: After registering free account, library and notes sync across devices

Generate GB/T 7714 citations

Zotero default citation style is mainly APA. To generate GB/T 7714 format, you need to install the corresponding citation style plugin.

Search for "GB/T 7714" on Zotero style page, download and double-click to install. Then switch citation style in Word. Alternatively, use Zotero built-in reference export function, select GB/T 7714 format.

Frequently asked questions

How much literature can Zotero manage?: Zotero library has no upper limit. But large local libraries affect performance; it is recommended to organize regularly, move unused literature out or build multiple libraries.
Which is better, Zotero or EndNote?: Both have advantages. Zotero is free with more plugins and better website capture; EndNote has better support for specific journal formats in submission and more mature team collaboration. For individual users doing academic research, Zotero is an excellent choice.
Can Zotero be used offline?: Yes. Zotero supports fully offline use, all functions work offline. Sync feature requires internet connection.

Format refinement tool GB/T 7714 format guide Return to help center