Zotero
Collects web references, page snapshots and research documents with metadata, notes, collections and citation tools.
Meet Zotero
Zotero is a research reference manager that also works as a structured bookmarking and web-capture system. Its browser connectors collect resources into libraries where links can be organized with bibliographic metadata, notes, attachments and project collections.
Native clients cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, with a hosted web library available for synchronized records. The core software is free; paid storage concerns attachments, while optional user-operated file synchronization should not be mistaken for a fully self-hosted replacement of the Zotero service.
- Payment structure
- Free and open source; optional paid file storage
- Hosting model
- Local application; sync varies
- Free option
- Yes - free app and basic hosted storage
- App types
- Web app / website service | Native mobile app | Native desktop app | Browser extension
Payment and hosting
Core application and metadata synchronization are free; optional hosted attachment storage upgrades are paid.
| Vendor-hosted | Optional hosted sync and web library |
|---|---|
| Self-hosted | Partial - optional WebDAV attachment storage, not full service |
| Open-source status | Yes |
Where you can use it
| iPhone / iOS | Yes |
|---|---|
| Android | Yes |
| macOS | Yes |
| Windows | Yes |
| Linux | Yes |
| Web app | Yes |
| Progressive web app | Not listed |
| Command-line tool | Not listed |
| Chrome extension | Yes |
|---|---|
| Safari extension | Yes |
| Firefox extension | Yes |
| Edge extension | Yes |
| Bookmarklet | Not listed |
| Mobile share capture | Yes |
| Other browser support | Not separately verified |
What to check before choosing
Platform notes: Desktop browser connectors; mobile capture uses the operating-system Share function. Safari connector is bundled with desktop Zotero.
Research snapshot: September 17, 2026. Official public pages / publisher documentation reviewed; not hands-on tested.
Publisher sources
Compare the recorded detail with the publisher’s latest documentation. See how this directory is researched.
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