Zotero works with the PDF reader on your computer to access PDFs. This means if you want to read and annotate PDFs you have to have a PDF reader on your computer that can do so. When you are done reading/annotating you can save the item and Zotero will replace the old file.
Notes can be a good way to list overall thoughts on a resource and they are searchable in Zotero. To add a note click on the record you want to create one for and then select "Notes" at the top of the record display.
Tip: Notes can also be formatted with different sizes, colors, and more. This can make it a really great feature when working in a group.
You can organize the content in Zotero by creating folder and subfolders.
To create a folder click on the Folder icon with a plus symbol at the top of the Zotero Library.
To create a subfolder/subcollection right click the folder and select "New Subcollection."
Note: In Zotero folders are called "collections." Due to the fact that most people don't refer to them this way though we will be calling them folders for the sake of clarity.
Creating Tags can be another great way to organize your resources in Zotero. Tags allow you to easily mark a resource with multiple keywords to make it easier to track your use and to find. Tags are created and managed by you so they match the language you need to find resources.
An example of using tags would be if you had tags for each reason (such as a publication or conference) that you use a resource for. In this screenshot the Zotero user created tags for two different conferences and applied them both to the same article since they cited it in both instances.
To add a tag(s) click on the record you want to create one for and then select "Tags" at the top of the record display.
Zotero is completely searchable, so no need to worry if you forgot what folder you put that article in!
You can search Zotero by
The search box is at the top right of the Zotero Library display.