Saving and Editing PDFs between standalone app and online

lizzas
I am utilizing multiple devices. All have the Zotero standalone app downloaded. However, I'm running into the issue of being able to save PDFs between the different advices. When I've edited and reopened the PDFs on one app (which then opens the PDF online), I am able to see my edits. However, on a different device, I can't seem to be able to save my edits, even with the Zotero connector downloaded. There is the save option when the PDF opens online, but clicking save only saves as a new file, rather than saving the original file in the Zotero standalone app (which should theoretically save to my online account). I don't want to have to keep resaving new files/edits. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
  • adamsmith
    With what tool are you editing the PDF?
    If you save the PDF to the same location you opened it from, the edits will sync between all devices.
    However, you shouldn't open PDFs "online" -- and that's not something Zotero would typically do.
  • lizzas
    When I double click on the PDF on one device (PC) it opens automatically and the URL includes "Zotero/storage." I'm not sure what tool that refers to. I am able to get back to my edits each time and also change any edits. When I've been saving the original PDF on this first PC device, there is a "Save" button on the top right which saves my edits and I can return to the edits when I reopen the file. When I double click the PDF on a second device (Mac), it opens in Preview and I cannot access my previous edits from when I edit on the PC. I'm not sure how to access the "Zotero/stage" URL on the Mac or whatever the tool is that is automatically opening on first device. When I open the PDF on a third device (PC) it opens similarly to the first device and I see the "Zotero/storage" URL but I am unable to see my original edits. Also, saving the PDF on this third device only saves as a new file. I see a "Save" button on the third device referenced before, but again, it only saves as a new file which is not what I want to do.
    All the devices have the Zotero standalone app and Zotero connector extension added. I am able to login to my account from all devices. I click the green Synch button as a I go as well.
  • qqbb
    on one device (PC) it opens automatically and the URL includes "Zotero/storage." I'm not sure what tool that refers to.
    On your PC, you might be using Microsoft's Edge browser, which is based on Chromium:
    https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-pdf
    on a second device (Mac), it opens in Preview and I cannot access my previous edits
    You need to sync your files so you can access edits on your other devices:
    https://www.zotero.org/support/sync

    Note that there's also a new PDF reader in Zotero's beta version:
    https://www.zotero.org/support/pdf_reader_preview
  • lizzas
    Thank you @qqbb! The new PDF reader is definitely a life-saver. Seems like everything syncs properly with that feature. Thanks a bunch!
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