Plugins / Import & metadata

Zotero Metadata Scraper

by waingram · github.com/waingram/Zotero-Metadata-Scraper

A Zotero plugin that automatically retrieves and updates paper metadata from multiple academic sources based on paper titles.

View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.07 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
0
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
2
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
4
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 v1.2.0, released 11 Jul 2026Code checked · tested installed in Zotero 9.0.6 on 27 Sep 2026
Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)Works with Zotero 7, 8, 9.
Fork of Creling/Zotero-Metadata-ScraperA copy of another listed plugin, changed by someone else.
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 identify6 addresses in 1 group.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Scholarly services (6)
api.crossref.orgseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.api.openalex.orgseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.api.semanticscholar.orgseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.arxiv.orgnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.dblp.orgseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.export.arxiv.orgseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.
Where we found it
api.crossref.orgcontent/scripts/metadatascraper.js · line 4097
this.BASE_URL = "https://api.crossref.org";
api.openalex.orgcontent/scripts/metadatascraper.js · line 4168
this.BASE_URL = "https://api.openalex.org";
api.semanticscholar.orgcontent/scripts/metadatascraper.js · line 4030
this.BASE_URL = "https://api.semanticscholar.org/graph/v1";
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.
A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit)mediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.A zotero:// link can make it run code if you approve a prompt (from zotero-plugin-toolkit)mediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.Stores API keys or passwordslowLow concern.
Where we found it
A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-o…content/scripts/metadatascraper.js · line 478

zotero://plugin

Services.io.getProtocolHandler("zotero").wrappedJSObject._extensions["zotero://plugin"] = pluginBridgeExtension;
A zotero:// link can make it run code if you approve a promptcontent/scripts/metadatascraper.js · line 434

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 7, 8, 9 · not 10, 11 betaDoesn't work with the current Zotero (10)MediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Zotero 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✗ doesn't workZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needAn API key for some featuresDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 11 Jul 20264 contributors
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface: English and Chinese
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

Description coming soon. We haven't written a summary yet. The line above is the developer's own description; the developer's README is linked above.

What you'll need

Detected automatically
  • An API key for some featuresWorks without one: CrossRef, OpenAlex, arXiv, DBLP. Needs a key (Semantic Scholar): Semantic Scholar API key (raises rate limits).
  • Zotero 7, 8, 9Not working with Zotero 10

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 6 addresses in 1 group.

Scholarly services (6)
api.crossref.orgseen when we ran itapi.openalex.orgseen when we ran itapi.semanticscholar.orgseen when we ran itarxiv.orgnamed in its codedblp.orgseen when we ran itexport.arxiv.orgseen when we ran it
Evidence · file and line
api.crossref.orgcontent/scripts/metadatascraper.js · line 4097
this.BASE_URL = "https://api.crossref.org";
api.openalex.orgcontent/scripts/metadatascraper.js · line 4168
this.BASE_URL = "https://api.openalex.org";
api.semanticscholar.orgcontent/scripts/metadatascraper.js · line 4030
this.BASE_URL = "https://api.semanticscholar.org/graph/v1";

Forks and alternatives

Fork of Creling/Zotero-Metadata-Scraper.

No forks listed.

Plugins for the same job

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
Install Zotero Metadata Scraper
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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