Setup guide · Claude

Connect Zotero to Claude

Let Claude search, read and cite your Zotero library. No API key and nothing to install — just sign in with Zotero.

Setup in 4 steps

1
Open connectors
In Claude open Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector.
2
Add the server URL
Enter https://refbridgemcp.com/mcp and save.
3
Authorize Zotero
Sign in with Zotero and approve access. You never copy or paste a key.
4
Use it in a chat
Enable RefBridgeMCP from the tools menu in a new chat and ask about your library.

“Find papers in my Zotero library about citizen science and summarize the main findings.”
“Draft a related-work paragraph using only references from my library, with citations.”
“Open a graph of how my papers on remote sensing connect.”

Do I need a Zotero API key?: No. You sign in with Zotero and approve access — RefBridgeMCP handles the rest.
Does it work in Claude Desktop and Claude Code?: Yes. Add the same URL as a custom connector in Claude.ai or Desktop, or as a remote MCP server in Claude Code.
Can Claude change my library?: Only when you ask. Every AI edit is logged with a snapshot so you can review and undo it.
Is it free?: Yes, there's a free plan. Paid plans add higher limits and semantic search.

Using another assistant? See the ChatGPT guide or the full docs.