Zotero & Obsidian: Academic Citation Workflow

Goal: Quickly insert in-text citations (e.g., [1]) and automatically generate a bibliography list.

Tools (Plugins)

1. Zotero Integration
2. Pandoc Reference List

Zotero Integration Settings

Go to Settings → Zotero Integration → Citation Format

• Citation format: custom style name
• Output format: Pandoc (This is the critical step for integration)

Pandoc Reference List Settings

Go to Settings → Pandoc Reference List

• Pull bibliography from Zotero: ✅ (Check this box)

• Citation style: Select a pre-defined citation style (e.g. APA)

Usage: Insert Citation

• In your note, press Ctrl/Cmd + P.

• Run the command: Zotero Integration: [Style Name].

• Select the source. Result: The in-text citation is inserted (e.g., [1]).

View Live Bibliography

• Press Ctrl/Cmd + P.

• Run the command: Pandoc Reference List: Show reference list.

• Result: A side pane opens, displaying the live, fully formatted bibliography for all sources cited in the current document.