cli-anything-zotero

Control Zotero desktop via command line for library inspection and item management.

46.8k|4.4k|Updated Mar 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/HKUDS/CLI-Anything --skill cli-anything-zotero-hkuds
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cli-anything-zotero
Source: https://github.com/HKUDS/CLI-Anything/tree/main/zotero/agent-harness/cli_anything/zotero/skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/HKUDS/CLI-Anything --skill cli-anything-zotero-hkuds

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill enables users to control and inspect Zotero desktop applications from the command line, simplifying library and item management.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Library Inspection: View status, versions, and backend accessibility of Zotero.
  • Collection Management: List, find, and switch collections within Zotero.
  • Item Operations: Access item details, citations, bibliographies, and add notes.
  • Integration: Automate workflows like retrieving selected items or rendering citations for academic writing.
  • Use Case: A researcher can quickly extract all notes from a library to compile research summaries without opening Zotero GUI.

Quick Start

Use the CLI to check Zotero status in JSON format to ensure backend connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions about cli-anything-zotero

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate Zotero bibliography and note management from the command line?

You can automate Zotero bibliography and note management from the command line by using internal scripts that interface with the local API to inspect libraries, export items, and add notes without opening the GUI.

What is the best way to retrieve citations and item details from Zotero for academic writing?

Retrieving citations and item details from Zotero is best handled through command-line scripts that access the local API to extract structured data and render bibliographies directly for academic writing workflows.

Can I use command-line control to list and switch collections in Zotero?

Yes, you can use command-line control to list, find, and switch collections in Zotero by executing internal scripts that interact with the desktop application's backend and local API.

Does Zotero command-line automation require the desktop application to be running?

Zotero command-line automation depends on the local API and GUI context, requiring you to check backend connectivity and ensure the Zotero desktop application is accessible for status checks and data extraction.

How do I extract all notes from a Zotero library to compile research summaries?

To extract all notes from a Zotero library, you can run command-line operations that retrieve selected items and manipulate notes, allowing you to compile research summaries quickly without opening the GUI.