Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Import & metadata

Zotero Metadata Refresh

by ZhiboRao · github.com/ZhiboRao/zotero-meta-refresh

Batch-refresh Zotero item metadata from CrossRef, OpenAlex, Semantic Scholar and DBLP. Zotero 7-9, with a preview-then-confirm flow, field whitelist and Extra backup.

Import & metadataFiles, sync & backup
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.04 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.
25
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
AGPL-3.0
A+
Atlas gradeRecommended
because every code check came out low, and our live test in Zotero found nothing unexpected
Applies to v0.5.0, released 11 Sep 2026Code checked · tested installed in Zotero 10.0.3 on 27 Sep 2026
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 ZhiboRao 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 goesOnly contacts services we could identify4 addresses in 1 group.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Scholarly services (4)
api.crossref.orgseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.api.openalex.orgapi.semanticscholar.orgdblp.org
Where we found it
api.crossref.orgcontent/scripts/metarefresh.js · line 1896
const url = `https://api.crossref.org/works/${encodeURIComponent(
api.openalex.orgcontent/scripts/metarefresh.js · line 1945
const url2 = `https://api.openalex.org/works/doi:${encodeURIComponent(idOrTitle)}?${mail}`;
api.semanticscholar.orgcontent/scripts/metarefresh.js · line 1984
const url2 = `https://api.semanticscholar.org/graph/v1/paper/${encodeURIComponent(
Powerful capabilitiesStores API keys or passwordsLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Stores API keys or passwordslowLow concern.
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 needAn API key for some featuresDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 11 Sep 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in Chinese and 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 and DBLP. Needs a key (Semantic Scholar): Semantic Scholar API key (for higher limits).

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 4 addresses in 1 group.

Scholarly services (4)
api.crossref.orgseen when we ran itapi.openalex.orgapi.semanticscholar.orgdblp.org
Evidence · file and line
api.crossref.orgcontent/scripts/metarefresh.js · line 1896
const url = `https://api.crossref.org/works/${encodeURIComponent(
api.openalex.orgcontent/scripts/metarefresh.js · line 1945
const url2 = `https://api.openalex.org/works/doi:${encodeURIComponent(idOrTitle)}?${mail}`;
api.semanticscholar.orgcontent/scripts/metarefresh.js · line 1984
const url2 = `https://api.semanticscholar.org/graph/v1/paper/${encodeURIComponent(

Forks and alternatives

No forks listed.

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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 Refresh
A+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  1. 1Download the plugin fileDownload v0.5.0.xpi · 0.04 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