This is a short tutorial from the University of Rhode Island Libraries on how to export citations from Legacy RefWorks into Zotero
After you have downloaded and installed Zotero, and if you still have sources in RefWorks Flow, you need to do the following to migrate your data into Zotero:
1. Log into Refworks Flow.
2. Select a folder under My Folders found on the left hand side, or you can select multiple files within the folder, to export. (You can select the "All Documents" folder to select everything in RefWorks. However, if you have a folder system in RefWorks, the folders will not transfer. Any folder or files exported will be exported into a folder with the name "Export." You will have to rename the folders to what you named them in RefWorks).
3. Click on "Share Icon" found across the top.
4. Click on "Export References."
5. Select "RIS" format then click Export.
6. The RIS file will download to your computer (usually into your Downloads folder).
7. Make sure Zotero is open on your computer.
8. With Zotero open, either click on the file that downloaded, which you will automatically be asked to import into Zotero, or in Zotero, click on File, Import, then select the file from the location it downloaded to on your computer.
9. You will be asked to select an import option. Choose the option that includes the RIS format.
10. Once you select, you are given the option to put what you are importing into a new folder (collection) and if you want to copy or link the information. We recommend you copy.
11. Your files are now in Zotero.
After you have downloaded and installed Zotero, and if you still have sources in Legacy RefWorks, you need to do the following to migrate your data into Zotero:
1. Log into Zotero. Create or select a folder where you want your citations to go.
2. Log into Legacy Refworks.
3. Select the folder you want to export, or select all your references. When you have selected what you want to export, mouse over the "Reference" on the toolbar at the top, and click "Export."
4. A new tab will open with formatted text/metadata. Click the folder icon in the browser toolbar in the upper right-hand corner. A pop-up window will appear called Zotero Item Selector. Check "Select All," and then "OK."
5. Your items should now be imported into Zotero. If you are importing more than one folder from RefWorks into Zotero, follow steps 1-3 for each folder you want to import.
Most of the information on this page is adapted from this guide by Lynda Irons at Pacific University Libraries.