Zotero is an open-source reference management tool that helps users collect, organized, cite, and share research materials. It's often used to manage large amounts of reference data and related research materials. Setting up Zotero takes a few extra minutes, but it can ultimately save you a lot of time.

Visit the Zotero Download Page to get started. Be sure to add both the desktop application and the browser connector.

Download the desktop application:

1. Visit zotero.org/download.
2. Download the desktop application. Zotero will automatically identify your operating system.
3. Open the file from your downloads folder.
4. Follow the installation prompts.
   1. Need more help? Step-by-step installation instructions for Windows, Mac, and Linux are available.
5. The desktop application will be in your applications or programs folder, or appear as a desktop shortcut.

Download the Zotero Connector (Chrome, FireFox, Edge):

1. Visit zotero.org/download.
2. Download the Zotero Connector. Zotero will automatically identify your browser.
3. Follow the installation prompts.
4. The connector will appear in your browser's toolbar, add-on, or extensions menu.
   1. Chrome users: hover over the extensions button to see the Zotero icon. You may pin it to the browser to make it visible at all times.
5. Initially, the browser connector will appear as a Z icon. After the connector is used for the first time, it will change icons based on the webpage type.

Download the Zotero Connector (Safari):

The Zotero Connector for Safari is bundled with the Zotero desktop application. You can enable it from the Extensions pane in the Safari settings.

1. Open both the Zotero desktop app and Safari.
2. From the Safari drop down menu select Preferences.
3. In the Preferences window, choose the Extensions tab.
4. In the left sidebar, check the Zotero Connector option.
5. The Zotero Connector will appear in the top right bar of the Safari browser.
6. Initially, the browser connector will appear as a Z icon. After the connector is used for the first time, it will change icons based on the webpage type.

A Zotero account is required to share research materials and to access your Zotero Library online.

Create a Zotero account:

1. Visit Zotero.org and select Log In from the top bar.
2. Select Register for a free account and fill out the form.
3. Click "I am not a robot" and Register.
4. Sync your desktop application with your online account (instructions below).

To access your Zotero Library remotely, you need to sync your desktop application with your online account. An online account is also required to create collaborative Group Libraries and share research materials.

Sync desktop application and online account:

1. Open the Zotero desktop application.
2. In the Zotero menu, select Edit, then click Preferences from the drop down list.
   1. Mac users: Look for the Settings or Preferences option.
3. Click on the Sync tab.
4. Enter your Zotero online account username and password and select Set Up Syncing.
5. Check the Sync automatically option.

Note: attached files take up significant space in your online account. To avoid using up space, uncheck the sync full-text content to prevent files from being uploaded to your online account.