Zotero

Zotero is not a website, but lives on your computer, connected to your web browser. If your hard drive dies, you could lose all of the material collected in your Zotero Library if you don't back up your data.

 Syncing is the preferred backup method because it will automatically protect your data. 

To set up Zotero syncing for data syncing (for item metadata, notes, and the full-text index) :

1. Create a free account at zotero.org
2. Go to your Preferences in your Zotero Desktop application/ local library.
3. Select Sync and then Settings.
4. Use your zotero.org username and password.
5. Zotero will then automatically sync your local Library with their server.

Note: There is no limit to the number of citations that can be synced, but there is a cap on the free file storage (attached pdf's), though more space can be purchased.

After you link your Zotero account with the Zotero client program, you will see settings for managing data syncing and file syncing.

File Syncing

• Sync attachment files in My Library using: Enable/disable file syncing for your personal Zotero library.

  • Zotero:

    • Sync file attachments using Zotero File Storage.

  • WebDAV:

    • Sync file attachments using WebDAV storage.

    • Enter the URL for your WebDAV server (note that /zotero is added to the end of the URL automatically), your username, and your password.

    • Click “Verify Server” to check whether Zotero can connect with the server for file syncing.

• Sync attachment files in group libraries using Zotero storage:

  • Enable/disable file syncing for your group libraries.

  • Only Zotero File Storage is supported for group libraries.

• Download files:

  • At sync time: Download all attachment files not already in your local Zotero file storage on your computer each time Zotero syncs.

  • As needed: Only download attachment files when the user attempts to open the file. Useful for reducing the amount of hard disk space Zotero uses for attachments.