Plugins / Interface & look

Zotero Tray

by yuyichao · github.com/yuyichao/zotero-tray

Keeps Zotero running in the Linux system tray.

Zotero Tray has Atlas grade B (use with care) because it loads native code. It works with Zotero 7–10. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.02 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.
6
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.
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.
None stated
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because it loads native code
Applies to v1.1.0, released 28 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 goesNo web requests foundLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
No further detail for this area yet.
Powerful capabilitiesLoads native code, and 1 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Medium concern (1)
Loads native code
Low concern (1)
Works with files on your computer
Where we found it
Loads native codegdbus.js · line 17
let { ctypes } = ChromeUtils.importESModule("resource://gre/modules/ctypes.sys.mjs");
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7, 8, 9, 10 · not 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 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 28 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

Keeps Zotero running in the Linux system tray. Closing the main window hides it instead of quitting, and clicking the tray icon shows or hides it, with a menu to show, hide or quit Zotero.

Linux users otherwise lose the app, and sync and indexing with it, when they close the window. Works on X11 and Wayland with StatusNotifierItem trays; its developer has tested only KDE Plasma.

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: no web requests found.

Other plugins that do this

Matched on what they do

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

  • B
    Minimize Zotero To Tray

    Minimises Zotero to the system tray when you close the window instead of quitting.

    Matches “hide to tray instead of close” · 5,548 downloads · Slowing down · Zotero 7–10, 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 Tray v1.1.0

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 Tray
BUse with care
Before you install: It loads native code.Read the finding
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