Sqlite file size normal?

samve7 · 2026-09-17T13:42:56+00:00

Hi,
I have been using the free plan and noticed that I have 3 sqlite files (I understand this is as expected), but all 3 are 74.6 MB. On the free tier this leaves very little space for files. I also noticed my Zotero storage folder has 1.3 GB in total, but this can't be all my library on the free tier or I imagine I would have been stopped sooner!

So I was wondering, is this normal or has something gone wrong here, or something changed? Are the sqlite files counted, and any tips on seeing the files that are counted in my free tier allowance so I can remove things?

Thanks!

dstillman · 2026-09-17T13:46:01+00:00

Zotero Storage covers attachments that you upload to Zotero servers. Since you're on the free plan, you've uploaded 300 MB and can't upload any more. Zotero would be showing a warning about that on every sync.

You can store any number of files locally. They just won't be uploaded.

The size of the zotero.sqlite file on your local disk is totally unrelated to any of this. That's just where your library data is stored on your computer.

Related: https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/storage_quota_and_local_storage

adamsmith · 2026-09-17T13:47:12+00:00

75MB is completely normal, but the sqlite file (and all metadata) doesn't count against your free storage quota (which is only for files and images in notes), so no concerns about that, either. And yes, 3 or four .sqlite files (typically some version of sqlite.bak and sqlite.bak1 in addition to the active one) are expected.

Everything that counts against your free storage is in the /storage folder. A 1.2GB storage folder would almost certainly be above your free storage quota if it were all in your library. The main reason I can think of why it wouldn't be would be if you belong to groups owned by others. Those don't count against your storage and the files are locally in the same folder.

samve7 · 2026-09-17T14:05:03+00:00

Thanks! When you use the Zotero chrome connector, does this rely on having online storage space available?
maybe this is why I'm having problems and thought I couldn't add any more references to zotero at all.

dstillman · 2026-09-17T14:06:43+00:00

No. As long as you have the Zotero app open, the Zotero Connector will save to it, and there are no limits. It would only save directly to the online library if 1) the local app isn't running or the Zotero Connector can't reach it and 2) you explicitly gave it permission to save to the online library during that browser session.