How reliable is the export library function in keeping all the data safe?

Ghjawyix

I have Zotero on Linux and I'm wondering how best to migrate Zotero data, for example during a system reinstallation, by migrating the Zotero data folder (it's usually ~/Zotero) or by using the export function?

dstillman

Copy the data directory or sync. Don't use export.

https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/transferring_a_library

Ghjawyix

Thanks!

And may I somehow know what particular data will be lost when exporting/importing a library?

I found "it will reset Date Added/Modified times and break links to existing citations in word processor documents, along with other potential changes." and I will get duplicates of any imported items. Is there anything else?

dstillman

Do you have a specific question here? If you're migrating data, as you say you are, export is not relevant.

Ghjawyix

Ok, thank you.