Auto-renaming files via Zotfile

sdb

I have been using the Zotfile add-in to rename and refile my attachments so that I can sync via Dropbox. I think this has been working generally well, but I find that I have to manually select each imported PDF and right-click through the menu to select to Manage Attachments > Rename and Move.

Is there a setting where this can be executed automatically on dragging and dropping a PDF into my library (or on to a particular reference to which I am adding the full text later)?

It feels like I am missing something, but every combination of settings seems to require this same manual process to actually rename and store the file in Dropbox.

Thanks for any insights,
Scott

tim820

Is the PDF's *move* to your Zotfile Custom Location folder as a linked file working automatically on downloads via the Zotero web connector, with just the renaming failing ?

Zotfile renaming normally occurs automatically when PDFs are downloaded via the web connector, if the file type is NOT excluded in Zotfile's Advanced Settings (which would also prevent the PDF move), and Use Zotero to Rename is NOT set in Zotfile's Renaming Rules, and you have a valid renaming format set there. When dragging or using Attach New File, renaming is also usually automatic, unless you have the PDF open in an external viewer (which prevents writing to it, ie renaming).

sdb

I just tested with a PDF downloaded via web connector—no problems working exactly as expected. The challenge comes when I try to import something I've received by email through interlibrary loan (which tends to be a lot of what I need, unfortunately). Simply dragging that into my Zotero library files it in local storage, and then I have to manually have Zotfile rename and put in Dropbox. All my other settings are correct as you've outlined them.

This isn't the end of the world, but adds just one more step (and one I don't always remember because I don't have to do it for every PDF).

tim820

You can just save the PDF to, or drag it to, your Zotfile 'Source Folder for Attaching New Files', and then right-click Attach New File (a Zotfile function, so it moves/renames the file). That's what I use for random PDFs (but you need to have an item first, to attach it to).

You could also save direct to your Custom Location folder from the email, and then use drag and drop while holding down Ctrl+Shift (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Option (Mac) to create a link to the file in Zotero (you just don't get Zotfile's renaming then).

sdb

OK, this gives me some options to try and see which workflow serves my process best. Thank you for taking time to interact on this today.