Zotero saves online link to PDF, not to PDF in Zotero storage

leblancj
edited May 22, 2021
Hi folks, I apologize if this has been addressed; I looked through the forums but couldn't find it.

I downloaded a ref into Zotero using the Zotero button in FF with my Zotero open. this went as expected except that Zotero saved the online link location in the reference description rather than the link to its location in my Zotero library, where this pdf was also saved. The problem is that when I open the pdf and annotate it, I'm taken to the web location and therefore I can't save annotations.
(please see these screenshots that illustrate the problem)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ytv9jz4t9nr44ge/2021-05-22 Zotero saves online pointer to pdf.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m57hkebcyzanems/2021-05-22 Zotero saves online pointer to pdf -- also keeps copy in Zotero library?dl=0


Is there a setting to instruct Zotero to point to the location in the library rather than on the web?

How do I change the current reference so it points to the local pdf?
  • adamsmith
    This all looks exactly as expected on the Zotero end. How are you opening the PDF? If you double click the item or the attachment in Zotero, it'll open the local file
  • leblancj
    You're right! It appears that what I did before was click on the URL in the right-hand pane instead of clicking on the pdf icon on the left. I guess Zotero info. pane on the R points to the original source rather than to the local storage location.

    Thanks for pointing that out.
  • adamsmith
    Right, if you click on the link, it takes you to that URL. Every other from of opening the PDF opens the local copy.

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