{"id":2120,"date":"2017-11-03T14:53:01","date_gmt":"2017-11-03T18:53:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zotero.org\/blog\/?p=2120"},"modified":"2017-11-03T14:53:01","modified_gmt":"2017-11-03T18:53:01","slug":"zotero-5-and-firefox-faq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zotero.org\/blog\/zotero-5-and-firefox-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Zotero 5.0 and Firefox: Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

In A Unified Zotero Experience<\/a>, we explained the changes introduced in Zotero 5.0<\/a> that affect Zotero for Firefox users. See that post for a full explanation of the change, and read on for some additional answers.<\/p>\n

What’s changing?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Zotero 5.0 is available only as a standalone program, and Zotero 4.0 for Firefox is being replaced by a Zotero Connector for Firefox that allows you to save to Zotero as you browse the web, similar to the Chrome and Safari extensions that have been available for years for use with Zotero Standalone.<\/p>\n

Why is this happening?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mozilla is discontinuing the powerful extension framework on which Zotero for Firefox is based in favor of a new, more limited extension framework, and it\u2019s no longer technically possible to create a tool like Zotero for Firefox within the browser.<\/p>\n

Will you change your minds?<\/strong><\/p>\n

See above.<\/p>\n

Won\u2019t this ruin everything that\u2019s great about Zotero?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We don\u2019t think so. Zotero has been available as standalone version since 2011, and many people have preferred it over the Firefox version \u2014 and we’re now able to focus on making it better for everyone, without making compromises to fit everything into a tiny pane or spending time keeping up with constant Firefox changes. The Zotero Connector still provides powerful browser integration and an unmatched ability to save as you browse the web.<\/p>\n

In recent months, we\u2019ve made numerous improvements to the Zotero Connector to bring it in line with Zotero for Firefox\u2019s browsing-related features, and the Connector already offers some functionality that Zotero for Firefox never did, with more on the way. Since the Connector works in Firefox, Chrome, and Safari, you can use Zotero with whichever browser you prefer, or even multiple browsers at the same time.<\/p>\n

OK, if I\u2019m running Zotero for Firefox, what do I have to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

First, install the Zotero Connector for Firefox from the download page<\/a>, which will replace Zotero 4.0 for Firefox. Next, from the same page, install Zotero 5.0 for Mac, Windows, or Linux.<\/p>\n

You can also install the Zotero Connector in any other browsers that you use.<\/p>\n

If I already have the Zotero Connector for Firefox, what do I have to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make sure you\u2019ve also installed Zotero 5.0 from the download page<\/a>, and leave it open while you browse the web so you can save directly to it.<\/p>\n

If I\u2019m running Zotero Standalone 4.0, what do I have to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can upgrade to Zotero 5.0 via Help -> Check for Updates from within Zotero, or you can reinstall Zotero from the download page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re also running Zotero 4.0 for Firefox, you should first install the Zotero Connector from the download page and restart Firefox.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using the Zotero Connector for Chrome, you don\u2019t have to do anything else.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using the Zotero Connector for Safari, check for updates from the Extensions pane \u2014 you should have 5.0.23 or later. You can reinstall the Connector from the download page if you have an older version and an update isn\u2019t showing up.<\/p>\n

Will I lose my data?<\/strong><\/p>\n

No. Zotero 5.0 will automatically detect and upgrade your existing data. If your Zotero data directory is located within your Firefox or Zotero profile directory, it will be automatically moved to a \u201cZotero\u201d directory in your home directory, where it won\u2019t be affected by refreshing or uninstalling Firefox.<\/p>\n

Where did the Z button in the Firefox toolbar go? How can I open Zotero without it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instead of clicking a Z button in the Firefox toolbar, you now switch to Zotero as you would any other program. (See Switching Between Programs<\/a> for tips on doing this efficiently. Short version: Use the dock\/taskbar\/launcher or Cmd-Tab\/Alt-Tab. Don’t waste time minimizing or moving windows to access what’s behind.)<\/p>\n

You can also arrange your windows so that Zotero is visible while you\u2019re browsing.<\/p>\n

What about the \u201cSave to Zotero\u201d button?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The button still exists in the browser toolbar, and, as before, it will show you an icon representing the data Zotero detected on the page: webpage, journal article, newspaper article, etc.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t see the icon, check your browser\u2019s extensions pane to make sure you have the Zotero Connector installed. In some cases, the button may appear in the overflow panel accessible from the right edge of the toolbar.<\/p>\n

How can I choose what collection to save to?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just as in Zotero for Firefox, select the desired target collection in Zotero before clicking the save button. See Switching Between Programs<\/a> for tips on accessing Zotero quickly.<\/p>\n

An upcoming Zotero Connector version will provide the ability to choose the target collection from within the browser itself. [Update: This is now available<\/a>.]<\/strong><\/p>\n

Are there any features that are no longer available?<\/strong><\/p>\n

While we\u2019ve worked to make all browsing-related functionality available via the Zotero Connector, a few features either haven\u2019t yet been migrated over or aren\u2019t possible in the new Firefox extension framework.<\/p>\n

Planned, but not yet available:<\/i><\/p>\n