Any way to prevent Zotero from closing every time I insert a citation in Google Docs?

Fraenka
edited June 2, 2026
Hi,

I use Google Docs in Safari open on one screen, and Zotero opened on another screen. That way I can write my text on basis of my annotations and notes made in zotero. Problem: everytime I add a new citation to my document, the Zotero Window minimizes, resulting in me having to reopen it several hundred times a day. How can I stop this from happening?

Description:
System MacOs Tahoe 26.5
Initial situation: Zotero open on one screen, GoogleDocs in Safari on another
1. I use the keyboard shortcut to add a citation via the zotero connector in GoogleDocs.
2. The citation dialog window opens in front of the zotero Window.
3. I select my cited paper and click enter.
4. The citation dialog window closes down, a moment later the Zotero Window minimizes.
5. I have to click on my zotero icon in "Dock" to reopen the window.
repeat.

Is this behaviour intentionally? How can I stop it?


I'm writing my bachelor thesis and am gonna go mad if I have to open zotero one more time..
Please send help.

  • adamsmith
    edited June 2, 2026
    I don't think that sounds like something happening on purpose or to everyone.

    - When you say "close down" -- is that minimize or is it closing the application?
    - Have you tested this in troubleshooting mode?
    - Are you able to test with a different browser?
  • Fraenka
    -Yes I mean minimize, just edited my post (sorry my english is not the best)
    -In troubleshooting mode I can't add a citation to my google docs: PlugIn not working
    -different Browser same Problem


    Report ID: 1570329913
  • ew8
    I have the exact same issue. every time I add a citation in Google Docs, my Zotero application window minimizes. it is extremely frustrating, as I often need to go back and forth between my document and Zotero, and dont want to constantly re-open the window. Would love a solution to this, thanks!
  • dstillman Zotero Team
    edited 16 days ago
    I assume you and @Fraenka mean you're using macOS's full-screen mode? The citation dialog is a part of the Zotero app and is a dedicated window that needs to open, so it needs to switch out of full-screen mode if you have Zotero in full-screen mode. You can resize windows to take up the full screen without using full-screen mode, and that will allow the citation dialog to still open up on top.

    I'm not sure if there are examples of other apps that handle this better, but full-screen mode is just kind of awkward for anything that requires multiple windows.
Sign In or Register to comment.