Feature Request: Add 'copy file' to right-click menu on file tabs

Lmh-java · 2026-05-02T03:46:54+00:00

Hi Zotero Team,

With the increasing use of external AI tools and LLMs in research workflows, I find a frequent need to copy PDF files from Zotero to external chat interfaces or document processors.

Currently, this requires a four-step process: Right-click tab > 'Show in Library' > 'Show in Finder' > Copy file.

I propose adding a "Copy File" option directly to the file tab's context menu (or a dedicated button). This would allow users to place the file directly onto the system clipboard for immediate pasting into other applications.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u20430756/tu7djp3tfrp3omtm9h12.png

As a developer and frequent Zotero user, I would be happy to contribute to the implementation of this feature if the proposal is aligned with your current roadmap.

Thanks for your consideration,
Lmh-java

tim820 · 2026-05-02T04:45:09+00:00

If you just want the full path of an attachment file, you can use the Zutilo plugin's right-click Copy Attachment Path(s). But you do have to be in the main library view.

If you wanted a keyboard shortcut for that, I believe that the Zutilo shortcut creation UI is still broken ... but you may be able to add one for extensions.zutilo.shortcut.copyAttachmentPaths via this workaround:
https://github.com/wshanks/Zutilo/issues/280

RamonMi · 2026-05-02T06:12:39+00:00

Alternate solution: https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-actions-tags/discussions/195#discussioncomment-16786111 via Actions and Tags for Zotero plugin.

Allow you to copy the best attachment.

Lmh-java · 2026-05-03T06:26:22+00:00

Yes, thank you RamonMi! That that works and is exactly something that I am looking for.

Lmh-java · 2026-05-03T06:27:04+00:00

Hi tim820,

Thanks for your help. I was looking for copying the binary file content, not the file path. But appreciate your input!