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sync [2019/07/01 20:41] – [Alternative Syncing Solutions] dstillmansync [2020/07/10 16:48] – [Data Syncing] dstillman
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 ===== Data Syncing ===== ===== 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, has no storage limit, and can be used without file 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 [[/user/register/|create a Zotero account]] (which is also used for the Zotero Forums). Then, open Zotero'Sync [[preferences|preferences tab]] and enter your login information in the Zotero Sync Server section. By default, Zotero will sync your data with the server whenever changes are made. To disable automatic syncing, uncheck the "Sync automatically" checkbox in this section.+The first step to syncing your Zotero library is to [[/user/register/|create a Zotero account]] (which is also used for the Zotero Forums). Then, open the Sync pane of the [[preferences|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.
  
 {{http://www.zotero.org/static/images/support/quick_start/small/sync.png?nolink&w=160 }} {{http://www.zotero.org/static/images/support/quick_start/small/sync.png?nolink&w=160 }}
  
-In addition to automatic syncing, you can sync manually at any time by clicking the "Sync with Zotero Server" button on the right-hand side of the Zotero toolbar.+In addition to automatic syncing, you can sync manually at any time by clicking the "Sync with zotero.org" button on the right-hand side of the Zotero toolbar.
  
-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 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 server library with the contents of your local library or vice versa, you can use the [[kb:Sync Reset Options]].+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 [[kb:Sync Reset Options]].
 ===== File Syncing ===== ===== File Syncing =====
  
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 ==== Linked File Attachments ==== ==== Linked File Attachments ====
  
-You can also use sync Zotero files across computers using [[attaching_files#File_Copies_and_Links|linked files]]. Rather than attaching stored copies of files to Zotero items, you can attach links to files stored in a cloud-sync folder, such as Dropbox or Google Drive. When using linked attachments, you should set up Zotero's [[:preferences/advanced#linked_attachment_base_directory|Linked Attachment Base Directory]] feature so that Zotero can find your files on each computer, even if the path to the cloud-sync folder differs. The [[plugins#attachment_file_management|Zotfile plugin]] can make managing linked attachments easier by automatically moving attachment files to a designated folder as you import them.+In your personal library, you can also sync Zotero files across computers using [[attaching_files#File_Copies_and_Links|linked files]]. Rather than attaching stored copies of files to Zotero items, you can attach links to files stored in a cloud-sync folder, such as Dropbox or Google Drive. When using linked attachments, you should set up Zotero's [[:preferences/advanced#linked_attachment_base_directory|Linked Attachment Base Directory]] feature so that Zotero can find your files on each computer, even if the path to the cloud-sync folder differs. The [[plugins#attachment_file_management|ZotFile plugin]] can make managing linked attachments easier by automatically moving attachment files to a designated folder as you import them.
  
 See [[#alternative_syncing_solutions|Alternative Syncing Solutions]] for more details. See [[#alternative_syncing_solutions|Alternative Syncing Solutions]] for more details.
 +
 +Linked files cannot currently be used in group libraries.
 ===== Syncing In Practice ===== ===== Syncing In Practice =====
  
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 ===== Alternative Syncing Solutions ===== ===== Alternative Syncing Solutions =====
  
-If, for whatever reason, you are unable to use Zotero's syncing features, you can transfer your Zotero data using another methodsuch as by using a cloud storage service (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.)network folder, or a tool such as rsync, but there are significant risks and limitations to this approach.+If, for whatever reason, you are unable to use Zotero's syncing features, there are some alternative ways to sync your data, though there are significant risk and limitations depending on the approach that you choose. 
 + 
 +**Storing the Zotero data directory directly in a cloud storage folder is extremely likely to corrupt your Zotero database and should not be done.** (The same is true of most database-backed programs.) The forums contain [[/forum/discussion/13359/|many]] [[/forum/discussion/27900/synching-to-dropbox/|threads]] [[/forum/discussion/6128/dropbox-and-zotero-15-case-conflicts/|about]] [[/forum/discussion/24593/backing-up-a-large-database-without-corrupting-it/|the problems]] that users have faced with Dropbox- or Google Drive–based setups.
  
-**Storing the Zotero data directory directly in a cloud storage folder is extremely likely to corrupt your Zotero database and should not be done.** (The same is true of most database-backed programs.)+If you want to avoid syncing any data to Zotero servers:
  
-You can, however, store just the ''storage'' subdirectory of the Zotero data directoryas explained below. You can also manually copy your entire data directory to a synced folder after closing Zotero on one computer and then restore it — again with Zotero closed — on another computer, as if you were performing a [[zotero_data#backing_up_your_zotero_library|backup and restore]] of your data.+  * You can close Zotero, manually copy your entire [[zotero_data|Zotero data directory]] to a synced folder on one computerand then restore it — again with Zotero closed — on another computer, as if you were performing a [[zotero_data#backing_up_your_zotero_library|backup and restore]] of your data.
  
-If you want to use an external file-sync service to sync just your Zotero attachment files, you have several options:+If you want to use Zotero data syncing but use an external service to sync just your Zotero attachment files, you have several options:
  
-  - The easiest method is to use [[attaching_files#File_Copies_and_Links|linked files]], rather than stored copies of files, and to store your attachment files in the externally synced folder. The [[plugins#attachment_file_management|ZotFile plugin]] can make this simple by automatically moving attachment files to a designated folder as you import them. You should also set up Zotero's [[:preferences/advanced#linked_attachment_base_directory|Linked Attachment Base Directory]] feature so that Zotero can find your files on each computer, even if the path to the cloud storage folder differs. +  - The easiest method is to use [[attaching_files#stored_files_and_linked_files|linked files]], rather than stored copies of files, and to store your attachment files in the externally synced folder. The [[plugins#attachment_file_management|ZotFile plugin]] can make this simple by automatically moving attachment files to a designated folder as you import them. You should also set up Zotero's [[:preferences/advanced#linked_attachment_base_directory|Linked Attachment Base Directory]] feature to point to the same folder so that Zotero can find your files on each computer, even if the path to the cloud storage folder differs. 
-  - You can also use a [[http://zotpad.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/103395-what-is-a-symbolic-link-and-why-should-i-use-one-w|symbolic link]] to sync only the ''storage'' directory from your Zotero data directory using the external sync service. This will sync your attachment files without touching the main Zotero SQLite database. +  - You can also use a symlink to sync only the ''storage'' directory from your Zotero data directory using the external sync service. This will sync your attachment files without touching the main Zotero SQLite database. This is an advanced technique, and if you don't fully understand how to create symlinks and how they interact with your cloud storage service you should not use it
-  - Finally, you can set the entire data directory inside Dropbox (or similar) and then use [[https://www.dropbox.com/help/175/en|selective sync options]] to disable syncing for the data directory and then enable syncing of the 'storage' subdirectory. If you set up this option incorrectly, you run great risk of losing data. The forums contain [[/forum/discussion/13359/|many]] [[/forum/discussion/27900/synching-to-dropbox/|threads]] [[/forum/discussion/6128/dropbox-and-zotero-15-case-conflicts/|about]] [[/forum/discussion/24593/backing-up-a-large-database-without-corrupting-it/|the problems]] that users have faced with Dropbox- or Google Drive–based setups.+  - Finally, you can set the entire data directory inside Dropbox (or similar) and then use [[https://www.dropbox.com/help/175/en|selective sync options]] to disable syncing for the data directory and then enable syncing of the 'storage' subdirectory. If you set up this option incorrectly, you run great risk of losing data.
sync.txt · Last modified: 2023/07/18 21:07 by dstillman