Adding PDFs: neither “Store Copy of File…” nor "Link to File"
By default, when dropping new PDFs to the main window, Zotero
a) “Stores Copy of File…” into its data directory.
b) Alternatively, adds a "Link to File" without making a copy.
I need to list certain large groups of PDFs without them being copied by Zotero to its directory or being linked to the original PDF file (they are not going to be stored in the same folder all the time).
Where in the settings is the option to bypass this "by default" behaviour? Or what would be a specific workaround?
a) “Stores Copy of File…” into its data directory.
b) Alternatively, adds a "Link to File" without making a copy.
I need to list certain large groups of PDFs without them being copied by Zotero to its directory or being linked to the original PDF file (they are not going to be stored in the same folder all the time).
Where in the settings is the option to bypass this "by default" behaviour? Or what would be a specific workaround?
I didn't expect my request could be unusual, but it is exactly as you mention.
Is it possible to "delete the links after retrieving metadata" for multiple items at once?
I don't find such a command in the contextual menu or under Tools menu.
The advanced search does not discriminate between the "metadata item" and the "link item". Therefore, when deleting, both the link and the metadata are removed as a whole, which brings us back to the departing point.
I would be interested in deleting "only" the links, all at once, while keeping the metadata.
Thank you very much for your help
1) The saved advanced search selects only the elements of the sub-collection that did not find metadata (the orphaned links). I have to check the box "Include parent and child elements" to include also the metadata items. However, "select all" selects both metadata and link items without discrimination, and the same goes for deletion.
2) I have to save a second advanced search, without any check box, that retrieves the results of the first advanced search. This time, the metadata elements are effectively greyed out and "select all" selects only the links. Then yes, "delete" deletes only the links.