Need space on my computer / Zotero cloud

paulinedab

Hello,
Having more than 3000 references in my library, with many pdf included, my computer don't have enough space of storage. Is it possible to keep the pfd files only on the Zotero cloud, and not downlowded all of them on the computer ?

Many thanks for your help

dstillman

If you set Zotero to download files "as needed" from the Sync pane of the preferences, it will avoid downloading files added elsewhere until you try to open them.

An upcoming version of Zotero will also make it possible to set how many days Zotero should keep local copies of uploaded files in order to save disk space.

For now, you can search for large PDF files within your Zotero data directory and delete them manually — just be sure they've been uploaded and are accessible from the web library, which they should be if syncing has been set up and working correctly, but you'd want to double-check. You may want to just wait for the feature above to be available.

paulinedab

Hello, is the upcoming version of Zotero you told about in August already available ? Thanks !

adamsmith

Nothing new on this, no

paulinedab

Thank you for your reply. In this case, I would like to change the storage place from the local disc to another hardware in my computer with more space. Is that possible ? How can I do that safely ? I am afraid of loosing all my pdf !

adamsmith

For now, you can search for large PDF files within your Zotero data directory and delete them manually — just be sure they've been uploaded and are accessible from the web library, which they should be if syncing has been set up and working correctly, but you'd want to double-check. You may want to just wait for the feature above to be available.

Note that this still applies as an option. You can move your data folder (by specifying a custom location in the preferences), but especially if you're thinking about moving it to an external HD, I'd recommend against it.