Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Reading & PDFs

Zotero Canvas

by Dcrizz · github.com/Dcrizz/zotero-research-canvas

Local freeform canvases and mind maps where you arrange Zotero notes, annotations and references as cards that stay linked to their sources.

Zotero Canvas has Atlas grade A (recommended) because every code check came out low. It works with Zotero 10. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

Reading & PDFsCiting & writing
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.4 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.
8
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
9
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
21
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.
MIT
A
Atlas gradeRecommended
because every code check came out low
Applies to v0.39.3, released 22 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; not yet checked against the published sourceThe developer uploaded the release file from the Dcrizz account. We haven't yet checked whether this file matches the public source code.UnknownWe couldn't check this yet.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repositoryThe update address offers this version
Where your data goesIts code only names services we could identify2 addresses in 2 groups.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
AI services (1)
api.openai.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
Apps you connect (1)
libraries.excalidraw.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
Powerful capabilitiesUses the clipboard, and 3 moreLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Low concern (4)
Uses the clipboardRuns code it assembles while runningWorks with files on your computerUses Zotero's password manager
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 10 · not 9, 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 9 ✗ doesn't workZotero 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 22 Oct 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface language not declared
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

Local freeform canvases and mind maps where you arrange Zotero notes, annotations and references as cards that stay linked to their sources. Add frames and labelled connectors, and export to SVG, PNG, PDF, JSON or Obsidian Canvas.

Zotero has no visual space for laying out evidence and ideas. Its developer says it is tested only on Zotero 10.0.6 on macOS and advises backing up first. Optional AI suggestions need a provider.

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: its code only names services we could identify. 2 addresses in 2 groups.

AI services (1)
api.openai.comnamed in its code
Apps you connect (1)
libraries.excalidraw.comnamed in its code

Other plugins that do this

Matched on what they do

For the same job, work with Zotero 10 and graded A or better. Closest match first.

  • A
    Zotero MindFlow

    Builds editable mind maps from papers, annotations and ideas, with a free canvas and an outline view.

    Matches “mind map of papers” · 258 downloads · Active · Zotero 10, 11 beta
Compare all 2 side by side
How we pick these

By how closely what they do matches this plugin, using descriptions and the phrases people search with. Copies and forks of this plugin are listed under Forks and copies instead. No plugin pays to appear here.

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.

Write a review
Your rating of Zotero Canvas v0.39.3

Your review is public, under the name you give, and published with the directory's data under CC BY 4.0. Links are removed. We never store your IP address: a scrambled code made from it is kept for 30 days to catch fake reviews. Every review is checked before it's published; how fake ones are spotted isn't published, so it can't be gamed.

Install Zotero Canvas
ARecommended
  1. 1Download the plugin fileDownload v0.39.3.xpi · 0.4 MB
  2. 2In Zotero, open Tools › Plugins
  3. 3Click the gear, choose Install Plugin From File… and pick the file
Step-by-step guide with pictures