Text, image and comment annotations (Zotero)

In the Zotero edition you can make Zotero's own kinds of annotation — text, image and comments — so they look the same in Zotero on your computer.

Applies to Zotero edition Windows · Mac · iPad Partly included in the purchase

This page is only about the Zotero edition.

Where you can make them

  • Mac · iPadYou can create text and image annotations and comments.
  • WindowsWindows shows the text and image annotations you made in Zotero or in Rectoly on iPad or Mac, and the comments on highlights. Creating text and image annotations is not available on Windows.

Creating annotations is included in the purchase. It is free during the 14-day trial and inside the sample paper. Translation is free. See Trial and purchase.

Text annotation

A text annotation is a piece of text placed on the page, like a label.

  1. Mac · iPadChoose the Text annotation tool.
  2. Mac · iPadTap the PDF page where the text should go, and type.

Text annotations are placed in the PDF view, not in Reading Mode.

Image annotation

An image annotation saves a region of the page — a figure, a table, an equation — as a picture in Zotero.

  1. Mac · iPadChoose the Image annotation tool.
  2. Mac · iPadOn the PDF page, long-press to place the box. In Reading Mode, drag.

The cropped picture becomes a Zotero image annotation.

Comments

In Zotero, a note attached to a highlight is its comment.

  • Mac · iPadPress a highlight and choose Comment.
  • WindowsRight-click a highlight and choose Add note.

See also Sticky notes.

Translate

  • Mac · iPadPress an annotation (or right-click it on Mac) and choose Translate.

Sending them to Zotero

The next sync sends your new annotations to Zotero, where they appear in Zotero's own reader. See Annotation sync.

Updated September 20, 2026