Zotero GPT Guide

Overview

Zotero GPT brings large language model capabilities directly into the Zotero reference manager, allowing researchers to interact with their library and papers through natural language. With over 7,000 GitHub stars, it has become one of the most sought-after Zotero plugins as researchers increasingly look for ways to integrate AI into their academic workflows.

The plugin connects Zotero to various LLM providers including OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, and compatible API endpoints. Researchers can ask questions about papers, generate summaries, extract key findings, compare methodologies across studies, and perform many other analytical tasks without leaving Zotero. The AI has access to the context of your current paper, selected text, annotations, and library metadata.

What makes Zotero GPT particularly powerful for academic work is its tight integration with the Zotero ecosystem. Unlike standalone AI tools where you must copy and paste text, Zotero GPT understands the structure of your library and can reference specific papers, annotations, and collections. This contextual awareness makes it far more effective for research tasks than generic chatbot interfaces.

Installation and Setup

Install Zotero GPT through the Zotero add-on system:

1. Download the latest .xpi file from https://github.com/MuiseDestiny/zotero-gpt/releases
2. In Zotero, navigate to Tools > Add-ons > gear icon > Install Add-on From File
3. Select the .xpi file and restart Zotero

Configure your LLM provider: