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--- kb:transferring_a_library [2017/11/19 07:46] – Update for Zotero 5. bwiernik
+++ kb:transferring_a_library [2022/08/16 16:58] – dstillman
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-===How can I move my Zotero library to a different computer?===
+====== How can I move my Zotero library to a different computer? ======
-==Option A: Copy the Library Folder==
+===== Option A: Copy the data folder =====
-The most reliable way to move your entire library to another machine is to copy the [[:zotero_data|Zotero data folder]] from your first machine to your new machine.
+If you're comfortable moving files, the most straightforward way to move your entire library to another computer is to copy the [[:zotero_data|Zotero data folder]] from your first computer to your new computer. If switching to a new computer, your OS may provide a way to automatically transfer all data (e.g., Migration Assistant on a Mac).
-To locate your Zotero data, open the Zotero [[:preferences|preferences]] menu and click “Show data directory” in the Advanced tab.
+To move your data manually, first locate your data by opening the [[:preferences|Zotero preferences]], going to Advanced → Files and Folders, and clicking “Show Data Directory”.
 See [[:zotero_data#default_locations|here]] for the default locations of the data folder.
-Be sure to close Zotero on both machines before copying the Zotero files.
+Be sure to close Zotero on both machines before copying the Zotero files. If you've already opened Zotero on the new computer, there will already be a Zotero data folder with an empty database, and you should delete the whole data folder before copying the new folder to the same location.
-In addition to the above method, you can also [[kb:using_multiple_computers|use a USB drive to sync your data between computers]].
+===== Option B: Enable Zotero Sync =====
-==Option B: Enable Zotero Sync==
+You can also transfer your library between multiple computers by using [[:sync#syncing|syncing]]. Make sure you use the same username on all computers.
-You can also automatically [[:sync#syncing|sync]] your library between multiple computers via the Zotero servers.
+You'll need enough online storage space to fit all files in your library. Zotero will warn you if you hit your quota, in which case you may need to delete some files, add a [[/storage|storage plan]], or transfer your library using Option A above.
-==Warning==
+===== Don't Use Export/Import =====
-Exporting and importing your library (for instance via Zotero RDF) is not a recommended option. None of the available export formats allow for a complete transfer of your library data, and this will break connections with any existing word processor documents.
+Exporting and importing your library (for instance via Zotero RDF) is not a recommended option. None of the available export formats allow for a complete transfer of your library data, reimporting will break connections with any existing word processor documents, and if you use syncing later you will end up with duplicates of any imported items.
 {{tag>kb}}