zotero-vim plugin - a vim/keyboard-driven approach to using Zotero

alexanderjfink
edited March 12, 2026
I've long desired to have a more keyboard-driven experience of using/reading in Zotero. Specifically, as a Vim user, I love having a familiar, modal interface.

In case anyone is interested in using it, here's what I created and am using now: https://codeberg.org/finktank/zotero-vim

Works great for me in Zotero 8. I'm using it actively in my reading and making changes. I'm open to hearing about things to add/fix (can't promise I'll do anything about them, but you are welcome to let me know), but am mostly just posting here in case anyone has been looking for something similar and wants to try it out - with no guarantees!
  • maxbrydak
    omg what a perfect timing, I was just looking for something like this <3

    just checked it out and threw a PR your way
  • alexanderjfink
    Thanks @maxbrydak! I incorporated your update - it was great thank you. Look forward to hearing how it works. I've been waiting to read this way for years. What kind of reading do you do in Zotero?
  • pdalmia
    This is amazing!! Now please M'Lord, I beg you, let me take notes in full Vim mode too.
  • dalik98
    Amazing !!!!! I really needed this.
  • SGGbond
    I’ve been looking forward to this for years, thanks!!!!
    Next on my wishlist: a fuzzy picker for the TOC!
  • sinaab
    Great work, thanks a lot. I'm not sure if Zotero announces the citation links it finds, but it would be nice to have a follow link function too.
  • Skelbti
    Love the idea! Does it work fine in Zotero 9?
  • alexanderjfink
    It does work in Zotero 9 now!

    Fuzzy picker and follow link will be on the agenda next. Love those ideas, thank you.
  • alexanderjfink
    FYI - follow link is implemented in the newest release. "f" like in tridactyl opens tooltips with all the link options.

    Fuzzy picker next for @SGGbond.
  • alexanderjfink
    OK @SGGbond - there's a fuzzy picker now too! It works across the "main" and the "PDF" reader with a key that defaults to
  • SGGbond
    @alexanderjfink, thank you for being so productive. I’m already actively using it, and it’s been a great improvement to my workflow.
  • alexanderjfink
    Awesome! Please continue to leave notes here or on Codeberg with other ideas about what to add next.
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