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attaching_files [2022/05/20 21:12] – [Linked Files] dstillmanattaching_files [2024/07/14 22:53] (current) – [Linked Files] dstillman
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 When using Zotero file syncing, you can choose to download stored files only as needed, avoiding the need to download all files to every device. An upcoming version of Zotero will allow you to choose how long to keep synced files on a given computer in order to limit disk space usage, temporarily redownloading files when you need them. When using Zotero file syncing, you can choose to download stored files only as needed, avoiding the need to download all files to every device. An upcoming version of Zotero will allow you to choose how long to keep synced files on a given computer in order to limit disk space usage, temporarily redownloading files when you need them.
  
-To use stored files outside of Zotero, you can use Zotero's search and organization abilities to quickly find the relevant items and then either drag the attachments straight from Zotero (e.g., into an email) or right-click and choose Show File to view the files in your file manager. If you prefer to find files without going through Zotero, you can use your operating system's search features (e.g., Spotlight on macOS) or create a smart folder in your OS to show a list of all PDFs within your Zotero data directory and interact with the files directly.+To use stored files outside of Zotero, you can use Zotero's search and organization abilities to quickly find the relevant items and then either drag the attachments straight from Zotero (e.g., into an email) or right-click and choose Show File to view the files in your file manager. If you prefer to find files without going through Zotero, you can use your operating system's search features (e.g., Spotlight on macOS) or create a smart folder in your OS to show a list of all PDFs within your Zotero data directory and interact with the files directly. Zotero automatically renames files based on the parent item's bibliographic data, so you can easily find files by title, author, or year even from outside Zotero.
  
-We generally recommend using stored files for the most seamless experience.+We strongly recommend using stored files for the most seamless experience.
  
 ==== Linked Files ==== ==== Linked Files ====
  
-With linked files, Zotero only stores a link to the location of the original file on your computer. Linked files are not synced, nor are they deleted if the attachment item is deleted in Zotero. They also can't be used within a group library, as there's no guarantee that other group members would have access to the same file location. Linked files are also not supported in the Zotero iOS app.+With linked files, Zotero only stores a link to the location of the original file on your computer. Linked files are not synced, nor are they deleted if the attachment item is deleted in Zotero. They also can't be used within a group library, as there's no guarantee that other group members would have access to the same file location. Linked files are also not supported in the [[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zotero/id1513554812|Zotero iOS app]] or the upcoming [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.zotero.android|Android app]]. 
 + 
 +You can add a linked file by selecting an existing item and choosing "Attach Link to File…" from the "Add Attachment menu in the Zotero toolbar or, to use [[retrieve_pdf_metadata|PDF metadata retrieval]], by selecting "Link to File…" from the New Item menu. You can also use the appropriate OS-specific modifier key for linking files while dragging in a file from the filesystem.
  
 If you sync linked files using an external tool (Dropbox, etc.) for use on multiple computers, it is a good idea to set the [[preferences/advanced#Linked_Attachment_Base_Directory|linked attachment base directory]] so that the files can be found by Zotero on each computer even if the containing folder is at a different location in the filesystem. If you sync linked files using an external tool (Dropbox, etc.) for use on multiple computers, it is a good idea to set the [[preferences/advanced#Linked_Attachment_Base_Directory|linked attachment base directory]] so that the files can be found by Zotero on each computer even if the containing folder is at a different location in the filesystem.
  
-If you do choose to use linked files, the third-party [[http://zotfile.com/|ZotFile]] plugin can help with an efficient linked-file workflow.+Given the advanced nature of linked-file workflows, and the differences on individual systems, we're not able to help troubleshoot problems with specific setups.
  
 If you wish to convert linked files to stored files in order to allow Zotero to manage them, you can do so from the Tools → Manage Attachments menu. If you wish to convert linked files to stored files in order to allow Zotero to manage them, you can do so from the Tools → Manage Attachments menu.
attaching_files.1653095551.txt.gz · Last modified: 2022/05/20 21:12 by dstillman