Install Zotero Word

Pick your client, copy the command, done.

claude mcp add zotero-word -- python -m zotero_word_mcp

Environment Variables

Set these before running Zotero Word.

VariableDescriptionRequired

ZOTERO_DATA_DIRPath to the Zotero data directoryNo

ZOTERO_SQLITE_PATHPath to the zotero.sqlite fileNo

ZOTERO_WORD_DLLPath to the libzoteroWinWordIntegration.dll fileNo

Once configured, Zotero Word gives your AI agent access to:

insert_citationInserts a Zotero native citation into the Word document.

dockeysfind_textplacementstyle_idlibrary_idprefixsuffixrefresh_afterwait_seconds

insert_bibliographyInserts a Zotero native bibliography field into the Word document.

refresh_documentTriggers the official Zotero Refresh command and waits for field resolution.

list_fieldsLists all Zotero native fields and document preferences in the current document.

set_document_styleSets the Zotero CSL style for the document without triggering an immediate refresh.

style_id

probe_documentVerifies if the current document is recognized by the official Zotero Word integration.

After setup, try these prompts with your AI agent:

→Insert a citation for the paper with key 'Smith2023' into my current Word document.

→Add a bibliography section at the end of my document.

→Refresh the Zotero citations in my document to ensure all fields are updated.

→List all Zotero fields currently present in this Word document.

→Set the citation style of this document to APA 7th edition.

Prerequisites & system requirements

An MCP-compatible client (Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, Claude Desktop, or Codex)
Python 3.8+ with pip installed

Conare · memory for coding agents

Save the docs, env vars, and workflow around Zotero Word in Conare so Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor remember it next time.