If you are using a LaTeX template, you will need to install a third-party software component in order to create references that will automatically sync with your document. The steps below detail the process. You will also need the LaTeX package appropriate for your operating system (e.g., MiKTeX for a Windows PC) installed before continuing with these steps. For more information on using and installing LaTeX, see the College of Science's helpful webpage below.
Locate the Download button on the top right:
Then download the latest .xpi file:
Within the Tools > Add-ons menu, click the Settings button (the gear icon) and choose the "Install Add-on From File." Locate the zotero-better-bibtex.xpi file you downloaded.
Locating Add-ons page:
Under the Extensions menu, click the gear icon and choose Install Add-on From File:
Locate the XPI file you just downloaded and click Open to add the add-on.
Export the Zotero folder that contains your references using the Better BibLaTeX format. Choose the "Keep updated" option.
Right click on the folder and choose Export Collection:
Choose Better BibLaTeX and Keep Updated option:
Name the file and save it in the same location as your LaTeX document.
*Note: the drag-and-drop method of simply bringing over your citations to your LaTeX document is currently not working.
The Better BibTeX add-on will generate "Citekeys" for all of your entries. use the \cite command and enter this Citation Key into your LaTeX document. You can copy and paste the key from the Info tab in Zotero.
Where to find the Citekey:
Insert your citations between the {} brackets, as shown:
Also include code for your bibliography. You'll need a line of code for the type of style you want the bibliography in using the \bibliographystyle command. Also insert the name of the file of your exported references so that LaTeX knows where to obtain the data from. For example, my BibTeX exported file is named "thesis" so that appears after the \bibliography command.
Your final product will look like this:
If you make changes to your references in Zotero within the folder you exported, the changes will appear correctly in your LaTeX document upon refreshing. However, note that if you make changes to any component that constitutes the Citekey (the default is the author last name, title, and year; you can change this within the Preferences menu if you like) that will change your Citekey. You will need to then manually update your Citekey in the appropriate place(s) within your document. You will see an error in your References page if there are Citekeys that are no longer recognized.