Q. How do I save a citation to Zotero by using a persistent identifier?

Zotero can save a citation by entering a persistent identifier for that source. This ability is sometimes called the "magic wand." Saving by an identifier will not automatically upload PDFs of a source, so it might be easier to use the Zotero Connector if possible.

You can add by identifier in the desktop app, web library, and mobile app. Instructions are below.

Zotero is able to save a citation using these identifiers:

• Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
• International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
• PubMed Identifier (PMID)
• arXiv ID
• SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The magic wand in the web library can also add a citation from a URL.

Add by Identifier in Desktop App

1. Go to your library or the specific collection you would like to save the citation to.
2. Click the "Add Item(s) by Identifier" icon, which looks like a magic wand.
   
3. Enter your identifier in the text box that pops up and then press "Enter."
   
4. The citation will be added to your library/collection. Review the information and edit the citation as necessary.

You could use the Library Lookup to try to add a PDF after adding the citation.

Add by Identifier in Web Library

1. Go to your library or the specific collection you would like to save the citation to.
2. Click the "Add By Identifier" icon, which looks like a magic wand.
   
3. In the text box that pops up, enter your identifier or URL and then press "Enter."
   
4. The citation will be added to your library/collection. Review the information and edit the citation as necessary.

Add by Identifier in Mobile App

Screenshots from the Zotero iOS app on an iPhone.

1. Go to your library and open either All Items or the specific collection you would like to save the citation to.
2. Select the plus sign icon in the top right of the screen.
   
3. In the new box, select "Add by Identifier."
   
4. Enter your identifier information in the text box and then select "Look Up."
   
5. You could also select "Scan Text" to use your phone's camera to scan an identifier and then select "Look Up."
6. The citation will be added to your library/collection. Review the information and edit the citation as necessary.