Want to get rid of full text content in online storage

Rhyothemis_princeps
I see now that I have run out of online storage that I could have saved items without the full-text and saved space that way. Is there any way I can easily clear out the full text online (retaining the bibliographic information and notes) and just keep the PDF files stored locally?

Is there a way I can just delete all my online storage and keep the local files, then sync with the 'Sync full-text content' unchecked?
  • adamsmith
    edited February 15, 2021
    You can simply turn off file sync in the Sync tab of the preferences. If you want to remove attachments online, you can do so using the "Purge Storage" button here: https://www.zotero.org/settings/storage?ref=usb but there's no particular need unless you need the storage space for files in groups. Metadata sync does not use up any space.

    You almost definitely do _not_ want to disable full-text content syncing:
    full-text content syncing does _not_ affect your storage quota and is recommended in almost all cases (so that you can find items on indexed full text of articles across synced devices and online).
  • Rhyothemis_princeps
    Okay, thanks.
  • DWL-SDCA
    This is one time that the use of all-upper-case for emphasis (and even bolding) may be excused. Full-text content syncing will one day save your sanity and maybe even your job when something happens to harm your local computer's storage.
  • dstillman
    No, DWL, you're conflating this as well — "full-text content syncing" does not refer to file syncing, and does absolutely nothing to help you restore lost local files. It's purely for full-text search of files you haven't downloaded to your computer. @Rhyothemis_princeps should leave it on, because it provides valuable functionality, but it has nothing to do with their file storage quota.
  • DWL-SDCA
    edited February 17, 2021
    Sorry! I did not mean to suggest that full-text syncing refers to file syncing or storage quota-- quite the opposite. I was stating that it is essential to sync your metadata and notes. I was trying to echo and further emphasize the importance of syncing as stated by @adamsmith. I was referring to the problem of a disk crash where Zotero data (not files) are lost. Having Zotero records synced online is essential -- especially for thesis and manuscript writing. I don't sync most of my files but I do keep the essential Zotero records synced and current while I _also_ have a current backup of my full hard drive. PDF files can be reconstructed with a little effort but if the work that created well-edited Zotero records is lost; that is a disaster. A synced Zotero can turn the disaster into a mere inconvenience.
  • dstillman
    No, you're still mistaken about this. "Sync full-text content" is a specific feature, and it has nothing to do with metadata. It does nothing to help you recover any local data in the event of a disk crash. It syncs the full text of attached files so that you can perform full-text searches in the web library and on computers where the files haven't been downloaded because you're using "as needed" file sync mode. That's it.
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