Reuse an established library
Move eligible top-level Zotero records into Rivul without rebuilding the reference list by hand.
Zotero workflow for Rivul
From Zotero to a cited Word or LaTeX manuscript.
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 require Pro.
Five connected actions
A practical Zotero to manuscript 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
Connect Zotero
Use a Zotero API key and user ID for the import request.
- 2
Import items
Bring top-level source records into the Rivul library.
- 3
Open source
Inspect metadata and attach or retrieve a PDF when full text is needed.
- 4
Insert citations
Choose the library reference where the sentence uses it.
- 5
Export
Download a cited Word or IEEEtran LaTeX manuscript.
Captioned walkthrough
The full path in 60 seconds
The demo advances every 12 seconds. Pause it, select any step, or replay it. The view remains stable as each action changes, so the sequence is easy to follow.
Step 1 of 5
Connect Zotero
Enter a Zotero API key and user ID. Rivul uses them only for the request.
ZoteroReady to connect
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Credentials stay in this session
Use cases
Where this workflow helps
The same source path supports a literature review, a focused comparison, or a manuscript that already has a mature Zotero library behind it.
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.
Clear boundaries
What moves, and what still needs attention
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 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 as Word or IEEEtran LaTeX.
Workflow questions
Zotero, Word, and LaTeX
Can Rivul import a Zotero library?
Yes. Settings → Integrations 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 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 manuscript, export can produce a Word document or an IEEEtran LaTeX source file with references.
Does Rivul store my Zotero API key?
No. The key and user ID remain in the current Settings session and are sent only when you choose Import or Push.
Is a native Zotero desktop plugin available?
No. Rivul currently uses the Zotero Web API. A desktop plugin is deferred until demand justifies the broader trust, compatibility, review, and release work.
Keep the source attached
Take a Zotero record into the manuscript.
Connect the library, import the record, cite it where it matters, and keep a portable output.
Start with Zotero