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Zotero Reference Check

by KorhonenAleksi · github.com/KorhonenAleksi/zotero-reference-check

Prepares selected items for a journal's reference list.

Zotero Reference Check has Atlas grade B (use with care) because a zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit), and 1 more finding. It works with Zotero 9–10. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

Import & metadataCiting & writing
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.05 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
In useAn estimate of how many copies of Zotero have it: Zotero downloads each new version once for every copy that has the plugin, so we count the downloads of its most-downloaded recent release. Rounded. Plugins that update from outside GitHub count low.
40
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
40
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
2
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
0
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
AGPL-3.0
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because a zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit), and 1 more finding
Applies to v2.0.0, released 30 Oct 2026Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyReadable code, uploaded by the project's automated GitHub buildThe release file was uploaded by the project's automated GitHub build. We haven't yet rebuilt it from the source to compare.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repositoryThe update address offers this version
Where your data goesOnly contacts services we could identify3 addresses in 1 group.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Scholarly services (3)
api.crossref.orgdoi.orgopenlibrary.org
Where we found it
api.crossref.orgcontent/scripts/referencecheck.js · line 4380
var CROSSREF = "https://api.crossref.org";
doi.orgcontent/scripts/referencecheck.js · line 3851
`https://doi.org/api/handles/${doi.trim()}`,
openlibrary.orgcontent/scripts/referencecheck.js · line 4443
`https://openlibrary.org/isbn/${isbn}.json`,
Powerful capabilitiesA zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you, and 2 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Medium concern (2)
A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit)A zotero:// link can make it run code if you approve a prompt (from zotero-plugin-toolkit)
Low concern (1)
Works with files on your computer
Where we found it
A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-o…content/scripts/referencecheck.js · line 129

zotero://plugin. zotero-plugin-toolkit removed this link in version 6.0.0; this plugin is built with an older version

Services.io.getProtocolHandler("zotero").wrappedJSObject._extensions["zotero://plugin"] = pluginBridgeExtension;
A zotero:// link can make it run code if you approve a promptcontent/scripts/referencecheck.js · line 85

zotero://ztoolkit-debug

Services.io.getProtocolHandler("zotero").wrappedJSObject._extensions["zotero://ztoolkit-debug"] = debugBridgeExtension;
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 9, 10 · not 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✓ worksZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needNothing extra detectedDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 30 Oct 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface: English
No further detail for this area yet.
We report what we found in the code. Open any area for the evidence.How we gradeReport a problem

What it does

Written by AI from the README

Prepares selected items for a journal's reference list. It removes database and proxy links, database names and accession numbers, and fixes odd page and volume fields. A second command fills missing details from Crossref.

Imports often leave EBSCO or ProQuest links and database names that end up printed in APA references. Both commands list changes for confirmation and log them to a CSV. Formerly Zotero Clean URLs.

What you'll need

Detected automatically

We haven't detected any setup requirements. That isn't the same as none: check the developer's README.

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 3 addresses in 1 group.

Scholarly services (3)
api.crossref.orgdoi.orgopenlibrary.org
Evidence · file and line
api.crossref.orgcontent/scripts/referencecheck.js · line 4380
var CROSSREF = "https://api.crossref.org";
doi.orgcontent/scripts/referencecheck.js · line 3851
`https://doi.org/api/handles/${doi.trim()}`,
openlibrary.orgcontent/scripts/referencecheck.js · line 4443
`https://openlibrary.org/isbn/${isbn}.json`,

Forks and copies

No forks listed.

The developer's response

The developer hasn't responded. Developers can reply here, and their reply sits next to our findings.I'm the developer

Ratings and reviews

What people who use it say. This is separate from the grade, which is what the code does, and never changes it.

No ratings yet.

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Install Zotero Reference Check
BUse with care
Before you install: A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit), and 1 more finding.Read the finding
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