LibGuides: Zotero: A Beginner's Guide: Import Citations

Export From One Manager to Zotero

Export library

In your current manager, locate the export option, typically found under the File or Edit menus.
Export an individual folder or entire library (select one)
Save the Export file as RIS or RefMan RIS on your computer (example - library.ris)

Import to Zotero

In Zotero, select My Library or a specific subfolder (left side) to import citations
In Zotero, select the File menu and choose Import...
In the pop-up window, locate and select the export file (example - library.ris)
Select Open (all citations should import).
Add article PDFs for each citation

Import Machine-Readable File

Most library databases allow users to export citations in RIS, NLM, or TXT format, but there are other options. These file types are basically machine-readable text files, which allow you to export hundreds of citations from a database in one click. This process is most useful for systematic and scoping reviews.

Select items in the database from your search
Export RIS file (or other file type)
In Zotero, from the File menu, select Import
Use a pop-up window to locate the RIS file (probably in the download folder)
Import
A new folder is created.
Rename folder (right click on folder) or move items to other folders.