Skip to Main Content

Citation Managers

Info on what citation or bibliographic management tools are and how to use them.

Zotero: Notes and Annotations

Notes & Annotations

As of March 2021, the current version of Zotero supports a limited note-taking function. Features include a note-taking pane with limited formatting such as numbering, bullet points, and font types like bold or italics as well as the ability to add sticky notes (child notes) to parent files. Zotero will use your device's default PDF reader (e.g. Adobe) to open and save highlights or annotations made in the document. However, it doesn't not currently support exporting these annotations from your default reader to a downloadable file. We have recommendations below to work around this.

But exciting developments are on the horizon! Later this year (2021), Zotero 6 will debut with a host of new functions including an in-software PDF reader complete with more annotation features and ability to export notes and annotations. If you don't want to wait, you can download the beta version to experiment with these new functions before the official launch.

The new features will create the ability to:

  • open a PDF in a tab right in the main Zotero window
  • clean up metadata for the parent item while viewing the PDF
  • add highlights and notes
  • drag individual annotations to a note or create a new note from all of the item's annotations
  • cite other items right in the note using the familiar citation dialog
  • click a button to insert the entire note into your word processor, where you can continue working on your document with active Zotero citations

 

Notes

To create notes and annotations:

  • By annotating in your PDF right from your Zotero library; any highlights or comments will be saved to the Zotero folder​ and display any time you open your document from the Zotero library. Zotero automatically uses your default PDF viewer.

  • By creating sticky notes: Zotero calls them Child Notes to add to your item's parent file​

    1. Select a parent folder, then in the Library tool ribbon, select the yellow square icon and select "Child Note"​

    2. Type any notes or messages to collaborators which will live in the parent file ​

  • By adding general notes in the Annotation Pane of any parent file

  1. Select a parent file then go to the metadata pane on the right​

  2. Select "Notes" in the tool ribbon and immediately start typing or using format functions​

  3. Your notes will automatically save to the parent file​

 

Exporting Notes & Annotations​

Please note: Zotero itself does not capture & export highlights and notes made inside the PDF; this method only captures annotations in the Notes pane and/or Child Notes​. If you would like to experiment with the forthcoming feature in Zotero 6, please download the beta version. Otherwise, follow the instructions below for a workaround.

To capture all notes (from the Notes pane and/or Child Notes):​

  1. Select a file and right-click, then select "Generate Report from Item"​

  2. Zotero will create a report with basic citation information, tags, notes, and list of attachments for the parent file​

To print: go to the overall Zotero tool ribbon, select "File" then "Print"​
To save as a PDF: go to the overall Zotero tool ribbon, select "File" then "Print." 

  • Before confirming print, change function to either open in your default PDF reader or to save as PDF​

To save as a .txt file (which will be available online), go to the overall Zotero tool ribbon, select "File" then "Save"​
  • In the new pop-up window, select "Text Files" in the "Format" dropdown menu​

 

Exporting via 3rd Party Plug-in​

By downloading and using, Zotfile, you will be able to capture highlights and annotations made within a PDF​. Please note: this is a popular, open access 3rd party plug-in but is not affiliated with Zotero; it will have its own agreements, instructions, etc.​