Key points at a glance
- Export a relevant collection.
- Match BibTeX or BibLaTeX to the template.
- Test keys and the final PDF.
Clean the library before exporting
Check authors, titles, years, DOIs and duplicates in Zotero. Export the collection used by the thesis instead of an entire unrelated library. Zotero supports exporting a library, collection or selected items; BibTeX is an interchange format, not a complete backup.
Choose the format your template expects
Example: If your university template uses biblatex with biber, check whether BibLaTeX fields fit better; for a BibTeX template, export accordingly. Add the .bib file to Overleaf and reference its exact filename. Mixing bibliography systems can leave an empty reference list.
Test a citation key
Insert one test citation and compare its key with the entry in the .bib file. Watch for special characters, protected capitalisation in titles and unusual author names. A successful import does not guarantee that every metadata field is accurate.
Update deliberately
After changes in Zotero, export again or use a supported account link. Check whether a new export overwrote manual .bib corrections. Inspect citations and the bibliography in the compiled PDF before submission.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- Verified Zotero metadata.
- Selected a compatible format.
- Compiled a test citation.
- Checked the PDF reference list.
Common mistakes
- Treating export as backup.
- Mixing incompatible bibliography setups.
- Ignoring changed keys after re-export.
Prepare the finished thesis for submission
Once the content and university requirements are checked, review your PDF and the available printing and binding options.
Review printing optionsRelated content
Explore related guidance on thesis structure, sources, formatting and final submission.
Frequently asked questions
Is a .bib file a Zotero backup?
No, it is for bibliographic exchange.
Why is my citation missing?
Check filename, citation key, package and compilation.
Can I export one collection?
Yes, Zotero provides Export Collection.