migrating to relative attachement base?

variable · 2026-01-05T17:59:36+00:00

I am using 8.0-beta.23+58baa44ad and just found the setting for a relative attachment base (and set it). Unfortunately, I already have hundreds (thousands?) of attachments in the wrong location.

Is there a way I could automatically migrate all existing attachments to the new base?

adamsmith · 2026-01-05T18:09:48+00:00

What exactly is your goal? The relative attachment base directory is only for linked files. Most users wouldn't need and shouldn't touch that setting.
The setting also doesn't migrate files. It just finds them in the specified location

variable · 2026-01-05T18:31:43+00:00

I want the "full text" attachments (pdfs, snapshots, etc.) to be stored in Dropbox.

(long term I'd love to use zotero sync, but right now I can't afford that along with the other subscriptions I rely on right now)

adamsmith · 2026-01-05T18:44:15+00:00

See https://www.zotero.org/support/attaching_files#linked_files for the general set up. You'll also want a plugin like ZotMoov or Attanger to help with moving the files to links. You'll find a bunch of posts here with more detailed instructions on using either.

enozkan · 2026-01-06T05:22:49+00:00

I have had ~/Zotero/storage symlinked to a Dropbox folder for a decade with zero issues on multiple computers (Mac and linux). But it requires you to understand how to set up a soft link and how they work, and you are on your own (no support). I have switched to Zotero storage a while ago, so I don't know if this still works.

(With this, you get no attachment files to use on web library or iOS/Android apps. Also, https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/data_directory_in_cloud_storage_folder)