Retrieve PDF Metadata - online

Bagocs
Hi,
I use the 4.0.16 version, and am curious if there is a way to retrive pdf metadata online without saving the file to one's computer. When I open a pdf in my browser (Firefox) I can right click on the file and create a new Zotero entry, but it won't let me retrieve metadata. If I download the pdf file and view it in a reader (XChange Viewer) it does not even allow me to create a new Zotero entry.

I'm asking because both of this solutions would be quicker than having to first save the pdf on one's computer and then go copy and retrive data, but I couldn't figure out if that was at all possible. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Gabor
  • aurimas
    For most academic papers, you should be able to use the URL bar icon to save metadata (and optionally the PDF) when looking at the abstract or HTML full-text entry.

    Otherwise, you can just drag-drop the URL (either select the whole URL and drag, or drag the icon to the left of the URL (usually the site logo or the lock symbol) to Zotero. This will download the PDF directly to Zotero, then you can right-click -> retrieve metadata
  • adamsmith
    edited January 7, 2014
    (you should update to Zotero 4.0.17).
    Generally the answer is no - Zotero needs to download the file because it needs to read the text from the PDF. That said, if you're using Zotero for Firefox (and do not have Zotero Standalone open while doing so), you can click the download button in the Firefox PDF viewer (at the top right) and in the dialog that comes up select "Save to Zotero" and check the "Retrieve Metadata" box.

    edit: and what aurimas says about preferring the URL bar icon
  • Bagocs
    edited January 7, 2014
    Yes aurimas, I can use the URL icon for most academic articles, but not for all. For the articles I find not on Google scholar but just as attachments in links, I cannot use the icon.

    An example would be this paper: http://www.budapestinstitute.eu/uploads/Evaluation_of_the_Kiutprogramme_BI_2012_short_final_WEB2.pdf

    Here I drag and drop the pdf, however Zotero cannot retrieve metadata. It says "No matching refrences found." What can I do here?
  • adamsmith
    where Zotero can't find the metadata you have to enter it manually (right-click on the item --> Create Parent Item and then fill in the fields in the right hand column by hand).
  • Bagocs
    Adamsmith, I saved the pdf as you described, but even though I ticked the "Retrieve Metadata" box, I still get no metadata when I open the Standalone afterwards.
  • Bagocs
    Yea, that's what I was afraid of.
    Thank you nevertheless!
  • Bagocs
    Having given a second thought to it, the problem in this case might be also with the pdf I linked above. For other pdfs this function works for you?
  • adamsmith
    yes. It basically depends on whether Zotero finds metadata online based on DOI, ISBN, or a full text search of google scholar.
  • Bagocs
    that's great. thank you!
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