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--- kb:using_multiple_computers [2008/11/21 18:02] – dstillman
+++ kb:using_multiple_computers [2021/05/12 16:36] (current) – dstillman
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ===How can I access my library from multiple computers?  Can I store my Zotero library and associated files on an external drive?===
-You can conveniently transport your Zotero library from one machine to another, accessing your data from any computer.
+The best way to access your Zotero library from multiple computers is to use [[:sync|Zotero syncing]]. Zotero syncing will automatically sync your library data using the Zotero servers. Attachment files can be synced using the Zotero servers or using a third-party [[:sync#webdav|WebDAV servers]].
+You absolutely should not store your Zotero database in a cloud storage folder (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive), which [[data_directory_in_cloud_storage_folder|will lead to data corruption]]. You can, however, configure Zotero to [[:sync#alternative_syncing_solutions|sync your attachment files using these services]] while using Zotero syncing to sync your library data.
-The easiest way to use Zotero on multiple computers is by running a copy of Firefox directly from a portable drive, which gives you access to your Firefox settings, such as bookmarks and history, in addition to your Zotero data. See [[:Using Portable Firefox on a USB Drive]] for more information.
+If, for whatever reason, you cannot use Zotero's built-in sync features, you can also store your [[:zotero_data|Zotero data directory]] on an external hard drive and use this to move your Zotero data between computers. You can set your Zotero installation on each computer to point to the external drive in the [[preferences/advanced|Advanced]] pane of Zotero preferences.
-If you use Zotero only on your own computers and don't need to keep your Firefox profile in sync, there's no need to use Portable Firefox. Simply copy your Zotero data directory to the portable drive and set Zotero on each computer to use the same custom data directory on the drive. You can set a custom data directory in the Advanced pane of the Zotero preferences.
+Another option is to [[portable_zotero|run a copy of Zotero directly from a portable drive]].
-For other ways to transfer data, see our [[kb:importing|import]] and [[kb:exporting|export]] documentation.
+{{tag>kb sync}}
-Zotero 1.5 will offer the ability to sync multiple Zotero libraries automatically via the Zotero server.