Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins

Zotero Spotlight

by MaxVonMustermann · github.com/MaxVonMustermann/zotero-spotlight

A global-ish command that opens a Quick Launch bar in Zotero.

View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.06 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.
1
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
2
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 v0.3.1, released 6 Mar 2026Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)Works with Zotero 7, 8.
Fork of Royshare/zotero-spotlightA copy of another listed plugin, changed by someone else.
Another plugin uses the same IDOne other plugin shares this add-on ID. Zotero can only install one of them.
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 MaxVonMustermann account. We haven't yet checked whether this file matches the public source code.UnknownWe couldn't check this yet.
Updates
Updates come from Royshare/zotero-spotlight, another listed project with the same add-on IDZotero will update it on Zotero 8 to version 0.6.1 from Royshare/zotero-spotlight on GitHub (rated: Review the details)
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 capabilitiesA zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you, and 1 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.
Where we found it
A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-o…content/scripts/zotero-spotlight.js · line 129

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/zotero-spotlight.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 7, 8 · not 9, 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 ✗ doesn't workZotero 10 ✗ doesn't workZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needZotero 7, 8Detected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceSlowing down · last release 6 Mar 20262 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
  • Zotero 7, 8Not working with Zotero 10

Where your data goes

We found: no web requests found.

Forks and alternatives

Fork of Royshare/zotero-spotlight.

1 other plugin uses the same ID as this one. Every Zotero plugin carries an ID, a name tag Zotero uses to tell plugins apart. These 2 plugins carry the same one, because people copied Zotero Spotlight to make their own versions and kept its ID.Show what this means
  • You can only have one. Zotero sees them as the same plugin.
  • Installing another replaces it. If you install one of the others, it takes this one's place.
  • Check what you install. Several share this plugin's name, so make sure the file comes from the one you meant.
Zotero Spotlight · this pluginMaxVonMustermann/zotero-spotlightBUse with care16 Mar 2026
Zotero SpotlightThe most used · Royshare/zotero-spotlightBUse with care3,86820 Aug 2026
See all 2 and how they differ →

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
Install Zotero Spotlight
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