Zotero Display Request (Mac App)

michaelsklein · 2025-11-14T05:22:15+00:00

Hi folks, I wondered if it would be possible to add colour coding to an entry list item to make it easier to identify important entries in the list? For example, red background for critically important etc.

Also, it would be useful to be able to code data annotations and export only annotations with certain codes. Similar to NVivo.

Thanks,
M

mitch_mishyy · 2025-11-14T08:27:20+00:00

You can assign colours to tags; however, it only lets you use 9 colours unfortunately.

+1 on the request for more colour coding options

mjthoraval · 2025-11-14T09:30:45+00:00

@michaelsklein:

Also, it would be useful to be able to code data annotations and export only annotations with certain codes.

You can already add tags to annotations, filter by tag, select all, and add to note.

michaelsklein · 2025-11-14T14:06:09+00:00

Tags are useful for filtering. But, more specifically I’m looking to visually organize my lists. In some projects I end up with an initial huge list and having a way to quickly visually organize and prioritize would make it easier. Similar to flagging or labelling in email.

adamsmith · 2025-11-14T15:02:52+00:00

Right, but the point here are colored tags, which do just that.

michaelsklein · 2025-11-14T15:17:21+00:00

https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u17832456/5zh035wzu4ihyuwrwpqa.png

I can't see tags in my main list (maybe I'm missing something) but regardless, tagging a document doesn't change its display. I've attached an example of what I'm proposing above.

adamsmith · 2025-11-14T15:25:26+00:00

They really do:

https://www.zotero.org/support/collections_and_tags#colored_tags

michaelsklein · 2025-11-14T15:46:15+00:00

Ok, thanks. I'll admit the interface for this is super non-intuitive. It would be ideal to right lick on an entry and change its tagging/colour from a drop down.

Thanks again,
Mike

adamsmith · 2025-11-14T15:52:11+00:00

Since an item can have multiple colors tag (something I find invaluable in my work), a context menu in which you'd clumsily check/uncheck tags wouldn't work well.

The keypad functionality for colored tags isn't super discoverable, I agree, but in terms of ergonomic workflows it's fantastic once you know about it.

dstillman · 2025-11-14T15:56:56+00:00

(You can also drag items to tags in the tag selector in the bottom left.)

michaelsklein · 2025-11-14T16:02:20+00:00

Ok, I appreciate the responses. It's clear I need to dig into the documentation a bit more. I've been drowning in huge lists feeling frustrated :) My solution is a bunch of sub collections. Thanks again.