Many people use different computers in different locations in the course of conducting research. Zotero 2.0 allows you to work with the same Zotero library and files no matter where you are.

Zotero syncing has two parts: data syncing and file syncing.

Data syncing transfers library items, notes, links, tags, etc.—everything except attachment files—between the Zotero Firefox extension and the Zotero servers, allowing you to work with your data from any computer with the Zotero extension and to view your library on zotero.org.

The first step to syncing your Zotero 2.0 library is to create a zotero.org account. If you already have a Zotero Forums account, you're all set. Otherwise, create an account. Once you've done so, open Zotero's Sync preferences tab and enter your login information in the Zotero Sync Server section.

By default, Zotero will sync your data with the server whenever any changes are made. Manual syncing can be enabled by unchecking the “Sync automatically” check box in this section. The first time your Zotero library syncs, Firefox may appear to hang, especially if you have a large library.

While data syncing will sync library items, it will not transfer attached files: PDFs, audio, video, images, etc.

Zotero supports two modes for syncing files: Zotero File Storage or use your own WebDAV account.

Zotero File Storage is the recommended file sync option and provides a number of advantages over WebDAV syncing.

See the Zotero File Storage documentation for more information.

WebDAV is a standard protocol for transferring files over the web. There are many online services that support WebDAV. Your employer or research institution may be able to provide it. Otherwise, there are third-party options, both free and paid (Apple iDisk, JungleDisk, BingoDisk).

Once you have your WebDAV account info, enter the URL provided by the service, your username and password in the Sync preferences tab. Make sure that you have specified correctly whether or not you are using secure WebDAV (https). If you don't know, you can simply try them both, but your service provider should be able to tell you. Once the information is entered correctly, click Verify Server. Zotero must verify the account before it can be used. Once that's done, you're all set to use file syncing via WebDAV.

Both types of syncing occur simultaneously. If Zotero is set to sync automatically, changes will be synced within a few seconds of being made. Otherwise, the sync button must be clicked to initiate each sync. This is the circular green arrow on the right-hand side of the Zotero toolbar.

If you enter the same login information into the Sync preferences on multiple computers, Zotero will sync everything transparently. Your attention should only be needed if the same item or file is edited in two different places before Zotero has a chance to sync them. In this instance, you will be presented with a conflict resolution screen, where you can decide which changes to accept.

If you sync from only one computer, you can still view your online library at zotero.org from any computer. Should something happen to your computer or should you want to start using Zotero on another computer, simply set up your account info on the new computer. Zotero will pull down your entire library from the server.