Utilize pdf document user annotations/remarks productive way

nonebut
edited 15 days ago
In course of literature research for given topic / work goal I used to append a long series of notes, annotations, remarks to library items and pdf attachments - inclusively highlighting original text in pdf document. If making own remarks to pdf attachments myself used to use Zotero built-in pdf reader.
Pretty big collection of artifacts the kinds as above results.
I didn't find however the way to search the artifacts for a string (writing and citing publications researched) and be highly productive on finding matching artifact.
  • AbeJellinek
    In the library, you can search by annotation comments in "Everything" mode. Attachments with annotations matching the search term will appear in the results.

    In the reader itself, click the Search icon above the list of annotations to search within the list.
  • nonebut
    These seem to be distinct areas yet I didn't manage to conduct search for text of interest and find matches productive/efficient way.
  • AbeJellinek
    Not totally sure what you mean.
  • nonebut
    edited 14 days ago
    Myself understands you mean a number of locations in Zotero app where the search can be conducted. I find these are all locations in one app however distinct ones. Unified search not possible this way. Search to get results in shortest possible time on lowest possible effort.
  • hechanghua
    This question also puzzled me for a long time. The current search function can only feed back items and PDF, and can't directly feed back annotations to me.
  • dstillman
    Annotations will be shown directly in the items list in a future version.
  • nonebut
    edited 13 days ago
    Yeah, Zotero features good user support to add to library and to library items rich collection of user remarks and notes. This is great feature supporting literature research. I use all existing means built-in to Zotero to leave my comments.
    The big problem is - at least from my personal perspective - the lag of means to find desired remarks/notes later on at arbitrary point and achieve it in short time.
    Also an overview of all notices / comments is hard to make.
    At the end rich comments collection exists but it's not possible to use it effective, low-effort way.
    As well as I need to use other means to track my comments/remarks/notes otherwise regain process is hard.

    Use-case: Performing research of publications and searching for contents presenting a value for own thesis the writing of which is either ongoing or starts short/middle term. User highlights statements found in publications under research for future citing in own writing. User adds comments of own critics or praise for future references.
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