Web storage vs computer storage of My Library

SBail · 2025-05-29T13:36:31+00:00

If my computer crashes or I no longer have access to OneDrive - will I still be able to access my Zotero library from the web and download it to a future computer (then use from the App)?

dstillman · 2025-05-29T13:51:15+00:00

Yes, as long as all your data and files are online. That's one of the main benefits of Zotero syncing.

(I'm not sure what OneDrive has to do with this, though.)

tim820 · 2025-05-29T14:02:10+00:00

Are you using Onedrive to store your PDF attachment files as "linked" files rather than "stored" files (under Zotero\storage), which are synced to Zotero servers ?
https://www.zotero.org/support/attaching_files#stored_files_and_linked_files

In that case, loss of access to linked PDFs on Onedrive would require you to restore them from your own backups.

If instead you have your Zotero data folder on Onedrive, you can't do that.
https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/data_directory_in_cloud_storage_folder

SBail · 2025-05-30T15:24:40+00:00

Thankyou both for your comments.
I had exported files from Zotero to Desktop (saved to One Drive) because wanted to ensure I had full list of references if computer died, and also to upload My Library to Scispace in one action. However, they were saved on desktop in individual folders so I deleted them.
I have just checked online and seen that they are all in the Zotero cloud and accessible & I am using 90% of allocated storage so now I understand the main benefit of Zotero syncing.
Thank you