Import a Zotero Library

Import source records from your Zotero library, open the material you need, cite it while writing, and export a manuscript that keeps its references.

One-shot import and push. Zotero credentials are not stored. Citation insertion and manuscript export are included free.

Rivul AI Connectors with the Zotero row open: fields for a Zotero API key and user ID, and Import from Zotero and Push to Zotero actions.

Workflow

Each step has one job. Imported metadata stays identifiable, full text is added when needed, and the citation enters the manuscript where it is used.

  1. 1

    Connect Zotero

    Use a Zotero API key and user ID for the import request.

  2. 2

    Import items

    Bring top-level source records into the Rivul AI library.

  3. 3

    Open the source record

    Inspect metadata and attach or retrieve a PDF when full text is needed.

  4. 4

    Insert citations

    Choose the library reference where the sentence uses it.

  5. 5

    Export

    Download a cited Word or IEEEtran LaTeX manuscript.

Screens

Each screen below is a capture of Rivul AI: the Zotero row in Connectors, the Library that receives the records, a citation inserted in the editor, and export.

Rivul AI Connectors with the Zotero row open: fields for a Zotero API key and user ID, and Import from Zotero and Push to Zotero actions.
1. Connect: enter a Zotero API key and user ID for a one-shot import.
Rivul AI Library with LLM quantization and speculative decoding papers such as QLoRA, GPTQ, AWQ, LLM.int8() and SmoothQuant, their PDF or reference status, and the Add menu open on Upload PDF, Add by DOI or arXiv, and Import .bib.
2. Import: records arrive in your Library with authors, year, and status.
Rivul AI citation panel open over a draft, listing library papers such as QLoRA, GPTQ and AWQ with Insert citation buttons, an IEEE style selector, and the paper's five numbered sources.
3. Cite: insert a library reference where the sentence uses it.
Rivul AI Export paper dialog with LaTeX, Word, Markdown, plain text, and BibTeX formats, IEEE venue and bibliography options, Run preflight, and IEEE submission ZIP.
4. Export: download Word, LaTeX, Markdown, or BibTeX with the bibliography.

Use Cases

Reuse an established library

Move eligible top-level Zotero records into Rivul AI without rebuilding the reference list by hand.

Read before drafting

Open the source record, add the PDF when full text is required, and keep the evidence close.

Cite at the point of use

Insert a real library reference, then carry the bibliography into Word or LaTeX export.

What Is Imported and What Is Not

Zotero import creates library records from source metadata. A metadata record is not the same as a readable PDF, so full text must be attached or retrieved before Rivul AI can search or answer from the document.

Native plugin phase: deferred until demand is measured. Zotero warns that desktop plugins have full access to Zotero and the computer. Any future plugin must use the smallest practical scope, publish reviewed release packages, declare tested compatibility, and follow the official plugin development guidance.

  • Imported: title, creators, year, DOI, and source URL when available.
  • Deduplicated: existing DOI or normalized title matches are skipped.
  • Kept temporary: the Zotero API key and user ID are used for the request and are not stored.
  • Added separately: PDF full text is attached or retrieved when the research task needs it.
  • Exported: manuscript content and references can leave Rivul AI as Word or IEEEtran LaTeX.

Zotero, Word, and LaTeX

Can Rivul AI import a Zotero library?

Yes. The Zotero row on the Connectors page accepts a Zotero API key and user ID, reads top-level items in batches, and reports imported and skipped records.

Does a Zotero import include PDF full text?

No. The current import creates source metadata records. Attach or retrieve the PDF in Rivul AI before using full-text search, paper questions, or evidence workflows.

Can I export Zotero citations to Word or LaTeX?

After imported references are cited in a Rivul AI manuscript, export can produce a Word document or an IEEEtran LaTeX source file with references.

Does Rivul AI store my Zotero API key?

No. The key and user ID stay in the Zotero form on the Connectors page and are sent only when you choose Import or Push; Rivul AI never stores the key.

Is a native Zotero desktop plugin available?

No. Rivul AI currently uses the Zotero Web API. A desktop plugin is deferred until demand justifies the broader trust, compatibility, review, and release work.

Can Rivul AI serve as an AI alternative to Zotero?

You can use Rivul AI alongside Zotero or instead of it. Zotero focuses on local cataloging and desktop PDF storage. Rivul AI adds search across metadata for 300M+ papers, an evidence matrix, and a manuscript editor that exports to Word or LaTeX.