Zotero Citation Manager: Additional Help

Data Syncing 

Data syncing merges library items, notes, links, tags, etc.—everything except attachment files—between your local computer and the Zotero servers, allowing you to work with your data from any computer with Zotero installed. It also allows you to view your library online on zotero.org. Data syncing is free and unlimited, and it can be used without file syncing.

The first step to syncing your Zotero library is to create a Zotero account (which is also used for the Zotero Forums). Then, open the Sync pane of the Zotero preferences and enter your login information in the Data Syncing section. By default, Zotero will sync your local data with the Zotero servers whenever changes are made. To disable automatic syncing, uncheck the “Sync automatically” checkbox in this section.

By default, Zotero will merge your local Zotero library with your library on zotero.org — any changes you make in one place will be applied to the other and on all other synced computers. If an item has changed in multiple places in conflicting ways between syncs, you'll receive a conflict resolution dialog asking which version you'd like to keep. In the rare case that you want to completely overwrite your online library with the contents of your local library (such as if you restore from a local backup after accidentally deleting data and then syncing), you can use the Sync Reset Options.

File Syncing 

Data syncing syncs library items, but doesn't sync attached files (PDFs, audio and video files, images, etc.). To sync these files, you can set up file syncing to accompany data syncing, using either Zotero Storage or WebDAV.

Notes

In addition to items and file attachments, you can also store notes in your Zotero library: child notes, which belong to a specific item, and standalone notes. Notes are synced along with item metadata; they don't count against your Zotero file storage quota. Notes are searchable and support HTML formatting (Zotero uses the TinyMCE HTML editor for note editing).

Zotero Groups

Zotero groups provide a powerful way to share collections with a class, work closely with colleagues on a project, keep track of conversations in your field more broadly, and keep tabs on what people at your institution or in your department are working on. There is no limit on how many members may join your groups, and your full storage subscription is always available to your personal and group libraries.

Group Libraries are separate from your personal My Library, so you can also use Zotero groups as a way to keep separate libraries within one Zotero profile.

Zotero Tips and Tricks + FAQ