zotero-cliCommand-line interface for Zotero - search your Zotero library, add/edit notes, read attachments, and manage bibliographic references from the terminal.
Install via ClawdBot CLI:
clawdbot install killgfat/zotero-cliCommand-line interface for the Zotero reference manager, providing terminal-based access to your Zotero library through the Zotero API.
# Install (PEP 668 systems)
sudo apt install pipx && pipx ensurepath && pipx install zotero-cli
# Configure
zotcli configure
# Start using
zotcli query "machine learning"
zotcli add-note "\"deep learning\""
zotcli read "\"attention mechanism\""š Detailed guide: QUICKSTART.md
pipx install zotero-clipip install --user zotero-cli
export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"python3 -m venv ~/.venvs/zotero-cli
source ~/.venvs/zotero-cli/bin/activate
pip install zotero-cliš Complete installation guide: INSTALL.md
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| zotcli query "topic" | Search library |
| zotcli add-note "paper" | Add a note |
| zotcli edit-note "paper" | Edit a note |
| zotcli read "paper" | Read first PDF attachment |
| zotcli configure | Configure API credentials |
# Set default editor
export VISUAL=nano # or vim, emacs, code
# Run configuration
zotcli configure
# Verify setup
./scripts/setup_and_check.sh| Script | Purpose |
|--------|---------|
| setup_and_check.sh | Automated setup and verification |
| backup_restore.sh | Backup and restore configuration |
| update_check.sh | Check for updates |
| quick_search.py | Formatted search output |
| export_citations.py | Export citations (BibTeX, RIS) |
| batch_process.sh | Process multiple queries |
Usage examples:
# Quick search
python scripts/quick_search.py "topic" --format table
# Export citations
python scripts/export_citations.py "topic" --format bib > refs.bib
# Backup
./scripts/backup_restore.sh backup
# Update check
./scripts/update_check.sh checkš Scripts documentation: scripts/README.md
"neural AND networks" # Boolean AND
"(deep OR machine) AND learning" # OR + grouping
"learning NOT neural" # NOT
"\"deep learning\"" # Phrase search
"transform*" # Prefix searchzotcli query "topic"
zotcli add-note "paper"
python scripts/export_citations.py "topic" --format bib > refs.bibpython scripts/quick_search.py "\"recent\"" --format table
zotcli add-note "\"interesting paper\""
./scripts/backup_restore.sh backupš More examples: EXAMPLES.md
| Document | Description |
|----------|-------------|
| QUICKSTART.md | 5-minute quick start guide |
| INSTALL.md | Comprehensive installation guide |
| EXAMPLES.md | Practical usage examples |
| scripts/README.md | Helper scripts guide |
Command not found:
export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"
pipx ensurepathPermission denied (PEP 668 systems):
pipx install zotero-cliConfiguration errors:
zotcli configureš Detailed troubleshooting: INSTALL.md
# Essential commands
zotcli query "topic" # Search
zotcli add-note "paper" # Add note
zotcli edit-note "paper" # Edit note
zotcli read "paper" # Read PDF
# Helper scripts
./scripts/setup_and_check.sh # Setup
./scripts/backup_restore.sh backup # Backup
./scripts/update_check.sh check # Update
./scripts/batch_process.sh queries.txt --output results.txt # BatchFor complete documentation:
Generated Mar 1, 2026
Researchers can quickly search their Zotero library for papers on specific topics, add notes to entries, and export citations in BibTeX format for manuscript preparation. This streamlines literature reviews and reference organization directly from the terminal.
Technical writers or developers use the CLI to query and annotate references for software documentation, manage PDF attachments of standards or manuals, and batch-process citations for project reports. It integrates with scripting workflows for automated updates.
Legal professionals or policy analysts search for case law, regulations, or reports stored in Zotero, add detailed notes on key findings, and export references for briefs or white papers. The command-line interface allows for efficient filtering and backup of critical sources.
Students manage their research library by searching for relevant sources, editing notes on papers, and reading PDF attachments without leaving the terminal. Helper scripts assist in formatting citations and checking for updates to maintain an organized bibliography.
R&D teams use the CLI to query patent literature or scientific articles, add collaborative notes on findings, and export citations for internal reports. Batch processing supports analyzing multiple research queries to track technological trends.
Offer a free basic CLI tool with paid upgrades for advanced features like cloud sync, team collaboration, or AI-powered search enhancements. Revenue comes from subscription tiers targeting academic institutions or enterprises needing scalable reference management.
Provide consulting services to organizations for integrating the Zotero CLI into their existing research workflows, offering custom scripts, training, and support. Revenue is generated through project-based fees and ongoing maintenance contracts.
Maintain the tool as open-source while seeking sponsorships from academic publishers, tech companies, or grants. Offer donation options and paid support for businesses, with revenue from sponsorships, donations, and optional support packages.
š¬ Integration Tip
Integrate with existing terminal workflows by using helper scripts for automation, such as batch processing queries or exporting citations, and ensure PATH is correctly set for seamless command execution.
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