Zotero Accessibility - Revision history

Dkrahmer: /* Accessibility Overview */

2026-05-15T19:22:12Z

Accessibility Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:22, 15 May 2026
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	Due to cognitive issues, we were unable to fully test Zutilo, which is a 3rd-party plug-in that allows you to create other keyboard shortcuts. There is also a cognitive issue with using and understanding the interface; some users may require more help from an experienced or sighted Zotero user in order to fully use Zotero.		Due to cognitive issues, we were unable to fully test Zutilo, which is a 3rd-party plug-in that allows you to create other keyboard shortcuts. There is also a cognitive issue with using and understanding the interface; some users may require more help from an experienced or sighted Zotero user in order to fully use Zotero.

	~~=== Zotero Desktop App 5.x or 6.x ===~~

	The Zotero desktop app versions 5.x and 6.x is '''not accessible'''. There are several unlabeled buttons, a general lack of headers, and it's impossible to reach the toolbar using just a keyboard. There are several operations that are only available to mouse users, and do not have a corresponding keyboard shortcut. However, the Zotero desktop app is required to use any web plug-ins/Zotero Connectors. Once the Zotero app is installed and set up, screen reader users and keyboard-only users can simply leave the software running in the background without interacting with it again. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.

	=== Zotero Desktop App version 9.x ===		=== Zotero Desktop App version 9.x ===

Dkrahmer at 19:13, 15 May 2026

2026-05-15T19:13:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:13, 15 May 2026
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	== Accessibility Overview ==		== Accessibility Overview ==

	Due to the complexity of use cases, we've split up the review by the Desktop App 5.x and 6.x, Desktop App 7.x, the Browser version for PC and Mac, and the Web Plug-in/Zotero Connectors. Zotero does have an [https://www.zotero.org/accessibility accessibility page], and have made major strides forward in accessibility of their Desktop app with Zotero 7 ~~(Oct 2024)~~. Any accessibility issues are reported through the Zotero Forums. This page has been updated with information about Zotero 7, ~~but will retain~~ the older information ~~around~~ Zotero ~~5.x and 6.x~~.		Due to the complexity of use cases, we've split up the review by the Desktop App 5.x and 6.x, Desktop App 7.x, the Browser version for PC and Mac, and the Web Plug-in/Zotero Connectors. Zotero does have an [https://www.zotero.org/accessibility accessibility page], and have made major strides forward in accessibility of their Desktop app with Zotero 7. Any accessibility issues are reported through the Zotero Forums. This page has been updated with information about Zotero 9, and the older information has been moved to the [[Archived Zotero Accessibility]] page.

	It is highly suggested that any university or library who relies on Zotero as a citation manager for their researchers should also purchase increased storage for their users. This money goes to supporting the open source software, and offers users more space to store their PDFs.		It is highly suggested that any university or library who relies on Zotero as a citation manager for their researchers should also purchase increased storage for their users. This money goes to supporting the open source software, and offers users more space to store their PDFs.

Dkrahmer: /* Known Accessibility Issues */

2026-05-15T19:09:38Z

Known Accessibility Issues

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:09, 15 May 2026
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	* If you’re having some troubles doing this, you may need to refresh the page, or you can back-shift to the Collection Folder you were working in and open it again to refresh. (Example of a usual issue, is that when you select an item and then shift-tab, it takes you to the tags section instead of the toolbar. If that happens, you need to go back to the original folder you were working in, enter to open it again, and then tab forward to the item. It should then allow you to shift-tab back to the toolbar to add the item to another collection.)		* If you’re having some troubles doing this, you may need to refresh the page, or you can back-shift to the Collection Folder you were working in and open it again to refresh. (Example of a usual issue, is that when you select an item and then shift-tab, it takes you to the tags section instead of the toolbar. If that happens, you need to go back to the original folder you were working in, enter to open it again, and then tab forward to the item. It should then allow you to shift-tab back to the toolbar to add the item to another collection.)

	==== Desktop App ~~8.x or~~ 9.x ====		==== Desktop App 9.x ====

	* Tab to highlight or select the article you want to add to another collection. NOTE: adding to a collection does not remove it from the current collection if it is in one. To do so, you will need to add the article to a new collection folder first, and then remove that item from the old collection folder.		* Tab to highlight or select the article you want to add to another collection. NOTE: adding to a collection does not remove it from the current collection if it is in one. To do so, you will need to add the article to a new collection folder first, and then remove that item from the old collection folder.
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	Select the item you want to edit, and then Tab to INFO, and then Arrow over to TAGS. You can then tab to the list of tags (if they already exist) and delete or edit with the keyboard. To add tags, navigate to the Add Tag button.		Select the item you want to edit, and then Tab to INFO, and then Arrow over to TAGS. You can then tab to the list of tags (if they already exist) and delete or edit with the keyboard. To add tags, navigate to the Add Tag button.

	==== Desktop App ~~8.x or~~ 9.x ====		==== Desktop App 9.x ====

	* Tab over to the Information page for the article and select the Info section. Then arrow down to the Tags section. Then Tab to the Add button and press enter to open the tag edit option. You can either type in a tag, or use the arrow up key to activate the list of existing tags and select one. After each tag is typed in or selected, press enter to add a new tag or to save the existing one.		* Tab over to the Information page for the article and select the Info section. Then arrow down to the Tags section. Then Tab to the Add button and press enter to open the tag edit option. You can either type in a tag, or use the arrow up key to activate the list of existing tags and select one. After each tag is typed in or selected, press enter to add a new tag or to save the existing one.
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	* By default, the action button on the bibliography page is "Copy to Clipboard." This is an unlabeled button. There is also a collapsed menu with it that just says "menu item 1." The menu item one is actually "Copy HTML." There is no audio cue that it has actually copied things to the clipboard after you activate the button.		* By default, the action button on the bibliography page is "Copy to Clipboard." This is an unlabeled button. There is also a collapsed menu with it that just says "menu item 1." The menu item one is actually "Copy HTML." There is no audio cue that it has actually copied things to the clipboard after you activate the button.

	==== Desktop App ~~8.x or~~ 9.x ====		==== Desktop App 9.x ====

	Since version 7, Zotero doesn't have a citation button in the toolbar, but you can use Ctrl-Shift-C to copy a citation or Ctrl-Shift-A to create an in-text citation. Items need to be adjacent in order to select multiple items. There is no keyboard shortcut access to choose how to save your output (mouse users have access to RTF, HTML, Copy to Clipboard, or Print).		Since version 7, Zotero doesn't have a citation button in the toolbar, but you can use Ctrl-Shift-C to copy a citation or Ctrl-Shift-A to create an in-text citation. Items need to be adjacent in order to select multiple items. There is no keyboard shortcut access to choose how to save your output (mouse users have access to RTF, HTML, Copy to Clipboard, or Print).
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	* If you’re not zoomed in to the point it hides the menu, then you need to get to the "Title, Creator, Year" form element in the toolbar and then up-arrow to get to "Groups." The top of the menu is "Web Library" and the bottom is "Upgrade Storage."		* If you’re not zoomed in to the point it hides the menu, then you need to get to the "Title, Creator, Year" form element in the toolbar and then up-arrow to get to "Groups." The top of the menu is "Web Library" and the bottom is "Upgrade Storage."

	==== Desktop App version ~~8.x or~~ 9.x ====		==== Desktop App version 9.x ====

	* Press Alt-F to open the File menu.		* Press Alt-F to open the File menu.
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	You can add notes in the browser version. Tab down to the Info section of the article, then arrow over to Notes. Arrow down to get to Add Notes. It’ll jump you immediately into the Rich Text editing area for adding the note, but you have to switch modes to start typing in Chrome (this doesn’t seem to happen with Firefox). Once done, tab out of it, and it’ll automatically save.		You can add notes in the browser version. Tab down to the Info section of the article, then arrow over to Notes. Arrow down to get to Add Notes. It’ll jump you immediately into the Rich Text editing area for adding the note, but you have to switch modes to start typing in Chrome (this doesn’t seem to happen with Firefox). Once done, tab out of it, and it’ll automatically save.

	==== Desktop App version ~~8.x or~~ 9.x ====		==== Desktop App version 9.x ====

	There are two ways to add a new note to an article. Make sure the correct item is highlight, then:		There are two ways to add a new note to an article. Make sure the correct item is highlight, then:
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	There is no Duplicates folder in the browser version of Zotero. You need to manually identify the items and delete them. Bear in mind that there is no audio alert when items are deleted.		There is no Duplicates folder in the browser version of Zotero. You need to manually identify the items and delete them. Bear in mind that there is no audio alert when items are deleted.

	==== Desktop App version ~~8.x or~~ 9.x ====		==== Desktop App version 9.x ====

	You can use the Duplicate Items folder for any collection in your My Library or a Group Library. The Duplicate Items folder is only available for major Libraries (Level 1) in your Zotero account, and not for individual folders (or collections, Level 2) within that Library. By using the Duplicate Items folder, you can merge multiple item records into a single item record, while retaining that item's place in multiple collections. It will not remove an item from a collection if you merge multiple item records.		You can use the Duplicate Items folder for any collection in your My Library or a Group Library. The Duplicate Items folder is only available for major Libraries (Level 1) in your Zotero account, and not for individual folders (or collections, Level 2) within that Library. By using the Duplicate Items folder, you can merge multiple item records into a single item record, while retaining that item's place in multiple collections. It will not remove an item from a collection if you merge multiple item records.
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	There is no "unfiled items" folder on the Web browser version of Zotero. My Library brings up all materials that are in your collections, whether they have been filed into a folder or not.		There is no "unfiled items" folder on the Web browser version of Zotero. My Library brings up all materials that are in your collections, whether they have been filed into a folder or not.

	==== Desktop App version ~~8.x or~~ 9.x ====		==== Desktop App version 9.x ====

	Navigate to the Unfiled Items folder, and open it. Select an item, then tab to the Info pane, then arrow down to the Libraries and Collections. Tab to Add to a Library or Collection, and press enter, then select the folder where you want to put the record.		Navigate to the Unfiled Items folder, and open it. Select an item, then tab to the Info pane, then arrow down to the Libraries and Collections. Tab to Add to a Library or Collection, and press enter, then select the folder where you want to put the record.
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	This workflow was not tested previously with the browser version or Desktop App versions because it was impossible to access the PDF and read it prior to Zotero 7.		This workflow was not tested previously with the browser version or Desktop App versions because it was impossible to access the PDF and read it prior to Zotero 7.

	==== Desktop App version ~~8.x or~~ 9.x ====		==== Desktop App version 9.x ====

	* Navigate to the item you want attach a PDF to.		* Navigate to the item you want attach a PDF to.
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	This workflow is heavily used by sighted users of Zotero, but was completely inaccessible to those using a screen reader and/or keyboard prior to Zotero 7, so we had not reviewed it previously.		This workflow is heavily used by sighted users of Zotero, but was completely inaccessible to those using a screen reader and/or keyboard prior to Zotero 7, so we had not reviewed it previously.

	==== To Read a PDF with Zotero Desktop App ~~8 or~~ 9 ====		==== To Read a PDF with Zotero Desktop App 9.x ====

	* If an item has a PDF attached to it, you can open it by pressing enter on that item. Zotero will open a new window in the software that will say the name of the article then "Zotero Reader Document."		In our testing of several PDF documents, using the screen reader with the Zotero Reader only reads one line at a time (not even a full sentence, just a single line on the PDF page). This can be annoying for screen reader users. We suggest to use whatever your preferred PDF reader instead of using the Zotero Reader, or to use the Read Aloud Function:
	* Arrow down to find the PDF. The toolbar is especially verbose for screen readers, so we suggest skipping over them completely if you just want to read the document.		* Tab to the "Toggle Sidebar" button, then arrow right to the Read Aloud button (button navigation is not available in Zotero desktop app). It will immediately start reading the PDF, as well as open a small navigation window with an options button, skip back button, play button, skip ahead button, and annotate sentence H/U button.
	* In our testing of several PDF documents, the Zotero Reader only reads one line at a time (not even a full sentence, just a single line on the page). This can be annoying for screen reader users. We suggest to use whatever your preferred PDF reader instead of using the Zotero Reader.		* To pause the Read Aloud feature, tab until you reach the "application options button." Then right arrow to the play button, and hit Enter.
			* You can reactivate the Read Aloud feature by simply pressing Enter again.
			* If you pause or leave the document, and then return to it in the future, Read Aloud will remember where you had left off in reading, and will start speaking immediately at that point of the PDF the next time you activate it.

	==== To Annotate a PDF with Zotero Desktop App ~~8 or~~ 9 ====		==== To Annotate a PDF with Zotero Desktop App 9.x ====

	The toolbar buttons contain the complete instructions on how to use the annotation tools with a screen reader. This is repeated for every button, every single time. It was also difficult to try to navigate the document by annotations in order to (for example) read what others have annotated in the document. Even using the A/shift-A keyboard shortcut was hit or miss on whether it could find annotation on multi-page documents.

	Zotero 9 introduced the Real Aloud option for accessible PDFs in Zotero, as well as "screen reader friendly" new keyboard shortcuts of H to highlight the last sentence read, and U to underline the last sentence read. '''This cannot be used with the NVDA screen reader, as these keys are already assigned to other major functions in NVDA.'''		Zotero 9 introduced the Real Aloud option for accessible PDFs in Zotero, as well as "screen reader friendly" new keyboard shortcuts of H to highlight the last sentence read, and U to underline the last sentence read. '''This cannot be used with the NVDA screen reader, as these keys are already assigned to other major functions in NVDA.'''
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	* If you pause or leave the document, and then return to it in the future, Read Aloud will remember where you had left off in reading, and will start speaking immediately at that point of the PDF the next time you activate it.		* If you pause or leave the document, and then return to it in the future, Read Aloud will remember where you had left off in reading, and will start speaking immediately at that point of the PDF the next time you activate it.

	===== ~~Short version of how to use the~~ other annotation types =====		===== Using other annotation types =====

			The toolbar buttons contain the complete instructions on how to use the annotation tools with a screen reader. This is repeated for every button, every single time. It was also difficult to try to navigate the document by annotations in order to (for example) read what others have annotated in the document. Even using the A/shift-A keyboard shortcut was hit or miss on whether it could find annotation on multi-page documents.

	To annotate with a screen reader or keyboard, '''you must first search for the exact text you want to annotate using Ctrl-F.''' The text must be exactly as it was written in the PDF, down to the capitals and punctuation. You can only highlight the text without a mouse if you have the Read Aloud function activated and your screen reader turned off. You can use the keyboard shortcuts to create different annotation types.		To annotate with a screen reader or keyboard, '''you must first search for the exact text you want to annotate using Ctrl-F.''' The text must be exactly as it was written in the PDF, down to the capitals and punctuation. You can only highlight the text without a mouse if you have the Read Aloud function activated and your screen reader turned off. You can use the keyboard shortcuts to create different annotation types.

Dkrahmer: /* Zotero Desktop App versions 8.x or 9.x */

2026-05-15T19:01:01Z

Zotero Desktop App versions 8.x or 9.x

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:01, 15 May 2026
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	The Zotero desktop app versions 5.x and 6.x is '''not accessible'''. There are several unlabeled buttons, a general lack of headers, and it's impossible to reach the toolbar using just a keyboard. There are several operations that are only available to mouse users, and do not have a corresponding keyboard shortcut. However, the Zotero desktop app is required to use any web plug-ins/Zotero Connectors. Once the Zotero app is installed and set up, screen reader users and keyboard-only users can simply leave the software running in the background without interacting with it again. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.		The Zotero desktop app versions 5.x and 6.x is '''not accessible'''. There are several unlabeled buttons, a general lack of headers, and it's impossible to reach the toolbar using just a keyboard. There are several operations that are only available to mouse users, and do not have a corresponding keyboard shortcut. However, the Zotero desktop app is required to use any web plug-ins/Zotero Connectors. Once the Zotero app is installed and set up, screen reader users and keyboard-only users can simply leave the software running in the background without interacting with it again. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.

	=== Zotero Desktop App ~~versions 8.x or~~ 9.x ===		=== Zotero Desktop App version 9.x ===

	The Zotero desktop app since version 7.x (October 2024) is '''generally accessible''', with some issues. Overall, the 7.x, 8.x and 9.x versions can be used with a screen reader and/or keyboard only. The PDF reader and annotation tools are accessible to a screen reader user as long as the PDF itself is accessible; however, the toolbar buttons are especially verbose. With Zotero 9, the Read Aloud option for PDFs is accessible, but you must have your screen reader turned off in order to use the new shortcuts H or U to highlight or underline the previously spoken sentence. H and U did not work with NVDA, as those keys are assigned to other functions. It is possible to attach a PDF to an item using only the screen reader and keyboard.		The Zotero desktop app since version 7.x (October 2024) is '''generally accessible''', with some issues. Overall, the 7.x, 8.x and 9.x versions can be used with a screen reader and/or keyboard only. The PDF reader and annotation tools are accessible to a screen reader user as long as the PDF itself is accessible; however, the toolbar buttons are especially verbose. With Zotero 9, the Read Aloud option for PDFs is accessible, but you must have your screen reader turned off in order to use the new shortcuts H or U to highlight or underline the previously spoken sentence. H and U did not work with NVDA, as those keys are assigned to other functions. It is possible to attach a PDF to an item using only the screen reader and keyboard.

Dkrahmer: /* Zotero Desktop App 7.x, 8.x or 9.x */

2026-05-15T19:00:38Z

Zotero Desktop App 7.x, 8.x or 9.x

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:00, 15 May 2026
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	The Zotero desktop app versions 5.x and 6.x is '''not accessible'''. There are several unlabeled buttons, a general lack of headers, and it's impossible to reach the toolbar using just a keyboard. There are several operations that are only available to mouse users, and do not have a corresponding keyboard shortcut. However, the Zotero desktop app is required to use any web plug-ins/Zotero Connectors. Once the Zotero app is installed and set up, screen reader users and keyboard-only users can simply leave the software running in the background without interacting with it again. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.		The Zotero desktop app versions 5.x and 6.x is '''not accessible'''. There are several unlabeled buttons, a general lack of headers, and it's impossible to reach the toolbar using just a keyboard. There are several operations that are only available to mouse users, and do not have a corresponding keyboard shortcut. However, the Zotero desktop app is required to use any web plug-ins/Zotero Connectors. Once the Zotero app is installed and set up, screen reader users and keyboard-only users can simply leave the software running in the background without interacting with it again. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.

	=== Zotero Desktop App ~~7.x,~~ 8.x or 9.x ===		=== Zotero Desktop App versions 8.x or 9.x ===

	The Zotero desktop app since version 7.x (October 2024) is '''generally accessible''', with some issues. Overall, the 7.x, 8.x and 9.x versions can be used with a screen reader and/or keyboard only. The PDF reader and annotation tools are accessible to a screen reader user as long as the PDF itself is accessible; however, the toolbar buttons are especially verbose. With Zotero 9, the Read Aloud option for PDFs is accessible, but you must have your screen reader turned off in order to use the new shortcuts H or U to highlight or underline the previously spoken sentence. H and U did not work with NVDA, as those keys are assigned to other functions. It is possible to attach a PDF to an item using only the screen reader and keyboard.		The Zotero desktop app since version 7.x (October 2024) is '''generally accessible''', with some issues. Overall, the 7.x, 8.x and 9.x versions can be used with a screen reader and/or keyboard only. The PDF reader and annotation tools are accessible to a screen reader user as long as the PDF itself is accessible; however, the toolbar buttons are especially verbose. With Zotero 9, the Read Aloud option for PDFs is accessible, but you must have your screen reader turned off in order to use the new shortcuts H or U to highlight or underline the previously spoken sentence. H and U did not work with NVDA, as those keys are assigned to other functions. It is possible to attach a PDF to an item using only the screen reader and keyboard.

	Notably, '''Zotero is one of the first annotation software programs to create a workflow for screen reader users and keyboard users.''' Zotero should be commended on making such a massive improvement to their main product, the desktop app. App versions since Zotero 7 are also responsive to your computer settings, so if you have font adjustment or size/magnification adjustments, the app will reflect it correctly. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.		Notably, '''Zotero is one of the first annotation software programs to create a workflow for screen reader users and keyboard users.''' Zotero should be commended on making such a massive improvement to their main product, the desktop app. App versions since Zotero 7 are also responsive to your computer settings, so if you have font adjustment or size/magnification adjustments, the app will reflect it correctly. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.

	=== Browser version on Chrome or Firefox (PC) ===		=== Browser version on Chrome or Firefox (PC) ===

Dkrahmer: /* Workflow #12: Reading and Annotating PDFs */

2026-05-15T18:59:20Z

Workflow #12: Reading and Annotating PDFs

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:59, 15 May 2026
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	* If an item has a PDF attached to it, you can open it by pressing enter on that item. Zotero will open a new window in the software that will say the name of the article then "Zotero Reader Document."		* If an item has a PDF attached to it, you can open it by pressing enter on that item. Zotero will open a new window in the software that will say the name of the article then "Zotero Reader Document."
	* Arrow down to find the PDF. The toolbar is especially verbose for screen readers, so we suggest skipping over them completely if you just want to read the document.		* Arrow down to find the PDF. The toolbar is especially verbose for screen readers, so we suggest skipping over them completely if you just want to read the document.
	* In our testing of several PDF documents, the Zotero Reader only reads one line at a time (not even a full sentence, just a single line on the page). This can be annoying for screen reader users. We suggest to use whatever your preferred PDF reader to using the Zotero Reader.		* In our testing of several PDF documents, the Zotero Reader only reads one line at a time (not even a full sentence, just a single line on the page). This can be annoying for screen reader users. We suggest to use whatever your preferred PDF reader instead of using the Zotero Reader.

	==== To Annotate a PDF with Zotero Desktop App 8 or 9 ====		==== To Annotate a PDF with Zotero Desktop App 8 or 9 ====

	The toolbar buttons contain the complete instructions on how to use the annotation tools with a screen reader. This is repeated for every button, every single time. Due to the complexity of the process, the visual basis of annotations may be of questionable use for Blind individuals. Read aloud apps that create bookmarks in the audio for marking important areas of the text is a much more useful way to annotate text, but you may not be able to share this type of annotation with another user. It was also difficult to try to navigate the document by annotations in order to (for example) read what others have annotated in the document. Even using the A/shift-A keyboard shortcut was hit or miss on whether it could find annotation on multi-page documents.		The toolbar buttons contain the complete instructions on how to use the annotation tools with a screen reader. This is repeated for every button, every single time. It was also difficult to try to navigate the document by annotations in order to (for example) read what others have annotated in the document. Even using the A/shift-A keyboard shortcut was hit or miss on whether it could find annotation on multi-page documents.

	~~===== Short version =====~~		Zotero 9 introduced the Real Aloud option for accessible PDFs in Zotero, as well as "screen reader friendly" new keyboard shortcuts of H to highlight the last sentence read, and U to underline the last sentence read. '''This cannot be used with the NVDA screen reader, as these keys are already assigned to other major functions in NVDA.'''

	To annotate with a screen reader or keyboard, '''you must first search for the exact text you want to annotate using Ctrl-F.''' The text must be exactly as it was written in the PDF, down to the capitals and punctuation. ~~There is no way to~~ highlight text without ~~using~~ a mouse~~, so~~ if you~~'re~~ screen reader ~~dependent, you will have to memorize the entire sentence or section, then type it exactly into the Ctrl-F box. The Zotero Reader will then highlight that text (as long as it is exact)~~. ~~Then you~~ can use the keyboard shortcuts to create different annotation types.		* Turn on the Read Aloud feature by tabbing to the "Toggle Sidebar" button, then arrow right to the Read Aloud button (button navigation is not available in Zotero). It will immediately start reading the PDF, as well as open a small navigation window with an options button, skip back button, play button, skip ahead button, and annotate sentence H/U button.
			* Turn off NVDA.
			* To pause the Read Aloud feature, tab until you reach the "application options button." Then right arrow to highlight activate or deactivate the play button.
			* As Read Aloud reads, you can press H or U to highlight or Underline the previously read sentence. If you leave NVDA on, you'll hear the NVDA notification that there's no next heading or no next unvisited link.
			* If you pause or leave the document, and then return to it in the future, Read Aloud will remember where you had left off in reading, and will start speaking immediately at that point of the PDF the next time you activate it.

			===== Short version of how to use the other annotation types =====

			To annotate with a screen reader or keyboard, '''you must first search for the exact text you want to annotate using Ctrl-F.''' The text must be exactly as it was written in the PDF, down to the capitals and punctuation. You can only highlight the text without a mouse if you have the Read Aloud function activated and your screen reader turned off. You can use the keyboard shortcuts to create different annotation types.
	* To create a highlight annotation, press Ctrl-Alt-1. This highlights the text in yellow by default.		* To create a highlight annotation, press Ctrl-Alt-1. This highlights the text in yellow by default.
	* To underline text, press Ctrl-Alt-2.		* To underline text, press Ctrl-Alt-2.
	* To add a note, make sure the focus is in the document and press Ctrl-Alt-3. You will hear "Add Comment" when the note appears, and then you can begin typing your note. Notes will appear on the first page of the PDF, regardless of where you were at while reading. You cannot move the note without using a mouse. Adding the note will take you to the first page of the document, so you will need to navigate back to where you were reading.		* To add a note, make sure the focus is in the document and press Ctrl-Alt-3. You will hear "Add Comment" when the note appears, and then you can begin typing your note. Notes will appear on the first page of the PDF, regardless of where you were at while reading. You cannot move the note without using a mouse. Adding the note will take you to the first page of the document, so you will need to navigate back to where you were reading.
	* To add text to the document, make sure focus is in the document and press Ctrl-Alt-4. This will create a text box somewhere on the page of the document you are reading. You can start typing immediately to enter text; however, the placement of the textbox is arbitrary, and may be over the document text. In our ~~texting~~, the text was also yellow by default, which made it too low contrast to be read.		* To add text to the document, make sure focus is in the document and press Ctrl-Alt-4. This will create a text box somewhere on the page of the document you are reading. You can start typing immediately to enter text; however, the placement of the textbox is arbitrary, and may be over the document text. In our testing, the text was also yellow by default, which made it too low contrast to be read.
	* We were unable to get the Select Area shortcut to function during our test (keyboard shortcut Ctrl-Alt-5).		* We were unable to get the Select Area shortcut to function during our test (keyboard shortcut Ctrl-Alt-5).
	* The final annotation type, Draw, cannot be accessed via the keyboard.		* The final annotation type, Draw, cannot be accessed via the keyboard.

Dkrahmer: /* Desktop App 8.x or 9.x */

2026-05-15T18:42:00Z

Desktop App 8.x or 9.x

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	* Use the arrow keys to navigate through the dialog box to find the collection/folder you want to add the article to, and press enter to select it. You cannot select several collections at one time.		* Use the arrow keys to navigate through the dialog box to find the collection/folder you want to add the article to, and press enter to select it. You cannot select several collections at one time.
	* You can add the article to more collections by selecting the Add button again.		* You can add the article to more collections by selecting the Add button again.
	* To remove ~~the~~ article from ~~the original~~ collection~~, make sure the Libraries and Collections section is expanded, then~~ tab ~~down to the collection you want to remove~~ the article ~~from~~, then ~~tab again to get to the remove button for~~ that ~~collection. Press enter. A dialog box will ask if you are sure you want to remove the~~ article from that ~~collection~~.		* You can't remove an article from a collection except by shift-tab into the main article pane, and then deleting that article from that folder.

	=== Workflow #3: Adding tags to articles ===		=== Workflow #3: Adding tags to articles ===

Dkrahmer: /* Browser version on Chrome or Firefox (Mac) */

2026-05-15T18:40:28Z

Browser version on Chrome or Firefox (Mac)

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	=== Browser version on Chrome or Firefox (Mac) ===		=== Browser version on Chrome or Firefox (Mac) ===

	Using Zotero in the browser on Chrome or Firefox on a Mac is '''generally accessible''', with some issues. In order to use the web plug-ins to import articles to your Zotero library, you need to have the Desktop App installed and running; however, once it's installed and configured, you do not have to actually use the desktop app and can rely on the browser for most workflows. Issues with using the plug-ins/Zotero Connectors with Safari are reportedly fixed by ~~[https://www.zotero.org/download/~~ Zotero 6].		Using Zotero in the browser on Chrome or Firefox on a Mac is '''generally accessible''', with some issues. In order to use the web plug-ins to import articles to your Zotero library, you need to have the Desktop App installed and running; however, once it's installed and configured, you do not have to actually use the desktop app and can rely on the browser for most workflows. Issues with using the plug-ins/Zotero Connectors with Safari are reportedly fixed by Zotero 6.

	== General Information ==		== General Information ==

Dkrahmer: /* Accessibility Overview */

2026-05-15T18:39:12Z

Accessibility Overview

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	The Zotero desktop app versions 5.x and 6.x is '''not accessible'''. There are several unlabeled buttons, a general lack of headers, and it's impossible to reach the toolbar using just a keyboard. There are several operations that are only available to mouse users, and do not have a corresponding keyboard shortcut. However, the Zotero desktop app is required to use any web plug-ins/Zotero Connectors. Once the Zotero app is installed and set up, screen reader users and keyboard-only users can simply leave the software running in the background without interacting with it again. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.		The Zotero desktop app versions 5.x and 6.x is '''not accessible'''. There are several unlabeled buttons, a general lack of headers, and it's impossible to reach the toolbar using just a keyboard. There are several operations that are only available to mouse users, and do not have a corresponding keyboard shortcut. However, the Zotero desktop app is required to use any web plug-ins/Zotero Connectors. Once the Zotero app is installed and set up, screen reader users and keyboard-only users can simply leave the software running in the background without interacting with it again. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.

	=== Zotero Desktop App 7.x ===		=== Zotero Desktop App 7.x, 8.x or 9.x ===

	The Zotero desktop app version 7.x (~~as of~~ October 2024) is '''generally accessible''', with some issues. Overall, the 7.x ~~version~~ can be used with a screen reader and/or keyboard only. The PDF reader and annotation tools are accessible to a screen reader user as long as the PDF itself is accessible; however, the toolbar buttons are especially verbose ~~and~~ the ~~workflow~~ for PDF ~~annotation may be of limited use~~ to screen reader and keyboard ~~users~~. Notably, '''Zotero is one of the first annotation software programs to create a workflow for screen reader users and keyboard users.''' Zotero should be commended on making such a massive improvement to their main product, the desktop app. Zotero 7 is also~~, finally,~~ responsive to your computer settings, so if you have font adjustment or size/magnification adjustments, the app will reflect it correctly. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app. ~~It is possible to attach a PDF to an item using only the screen reader and keyboard.~~		The Zotero desktop app since version 7.x (October 2024) is '''generally accessible''', with some issues. Overall, the 7.x, 8.x and 9.x versions can be used with a screen reader and/or keyboard only. The PDF reader and annotation tools are accessible to a screen reader user as long as the PDF itself is accessible; however, the toolbar buttons are especially verbose. With Zotero 9, the Read Aloud option for PDFs is accessible, but you must have your screen reader turned off in order to use the new shortcuts H or U to highlight or underline the previously spoken sentence. H and U did not work with NVDA, as those keys are assigned to other functions. It is possible to attach a PDF to an item using only the screen reader and keyboard.

			Notably, '''Zotero is one of the first annotation software programs to create a workflow for screen reader users and keyboard users.''' Zotero should be commended on making such a massive improvement to their main product, the desktop app. App versions since Zotero 7 are also responsive to your computer settings, so if you have font adjustment or size/magnification adjustments, the app will reflect it correctly. The deduplication folder, unfiled folder, and pulling metadata from a PDF are only available through the desktop app.

	=== Browser version on Chrome or Firefox (PC) ===		=== Browser version on Chrome or Firefox (PC) ===

Dkrahmer: /* Known Accessibility Issues */

2026-05-15T18:34:12Z

Known Accessibility Issues

Show changes