libraries: syncing and nonsyncing

Alrich · 2025-03-13T20:11:07+00:00

I want to reduce the data weight of my online syncing library, so I wondered if I could create a non-syncing library to hold the stuff I can afford to lose? Not that I will, but the zotero server saved my butt this year, after my computer crashed. So, I just want to divide my library and wonder if I can have an online and an offline library?

phoenixqaqlee · 2025-03-17T00:29:36+00:00

I want this too.

Alrich · 2025-03-22T01:30:57+00:00

I read in another discussion about using a new group to create a distinct library. I did this but A) it didn't offer to be non-syncing B) It didn't offer the option of importing a collection from my main library.

Plainly, non-snycing needs to be an option next to syncing. I am going to look at the difference between "private" and "public" libraries.

warguelles · 2025-03-22T02:45:23+00:00

It is very easy... You can sync only one specific Library:

Go the the Library icon you want to sync -> right mouse button -> sync

https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u2580262/gcygx8wqe3qj6vjy9qp6.png

The same is valid for any other group Library.

adamsmith · 2025-03-22T03:25:46+00:00

I don't think that's a realistic solution, though, to handle this manually (and you really shouldn't turn off auto sync for stuff that you don't want to lose).

I think the "Choose Libraries" option in the sync tab of the preferences should work for this -- unchecked libraries (e.g. a group you use for your "unimportant" stuff) will sync neither up or down, I believe (do test that before relying on it -- I don't use this and it's not documented fully anywhere I could find)

dstillman · 2025-03-22T04:40:18+00:00

Note that this won't continue to work as an option, and it isn't a use case we currently have plans to support.

"Choose Libraries…" doesn't really work in a sensible way now — right now, it's an awkward, confusing feature where it only affects whether a library is included in auto-sync, and if a sync happened to already complete before you uncheck a library, you can't actually remove that local data. In a future version, if you uncheck a library, it will simply remove the local copy of that library from your computer (after making sure all data has been uploaded), which is what most people expect it to do.

The point of syncing is to make all data and files available everywhere. We provide options (and will provide additional options) to avoiding download data and files to certain devices, but if you're using syncing, everything is always meant to exist online.