Switch to WebDAV

Slamdunker23 · 2026-05-17T15:09:09+00:00

Hi Zotero Community, I currently use the Zotero Cloud containing around 700 pdfs. I want to switch to a WebDAV on my Synology. Background is, that I only use Zotero on my iPad and there I have to backup solution. With the WebDAV I can perform the backup on my Synology.

I think I will get the setup done. How do I transfer the complete database with all pdfs from Zotero to my Synology?

Thank you. Are there any best practices you can share?

dstillman · 2026-05-18T14:52:45+00:00

You're saying you only use Zotero on your iPad? You don't have a copy in the desktop app?

You can test, but I don't believe the iOS app will automatically upload your files to WebDAV after changing the settings. You'd have to sync all files to the desktop app first and then make the change there.

Slamdunker23 · 2026-05-18T15:44:44+00:00

Exactly. I don’t have a desktop or Mac.

This is my question: how do I get all my literature from the Zotero cloud to my WebDAV server. Is this only possible with a desktop sync?

Slamdunker23 · 2026-06-09T15:31:51+00:00

Hi all, still searching for a solution.

Current setup: data and files are synched in the Zotero cloud.

Future setup: files to be synched via WebDAV to my Synology.

What do I do with the data synch (notes, annotations,…)
How do I get all files from the Zotero cloud to my server? I am using only an iPad.

Thank you.

dstillman · 2026-06-09T15:32:51+00:00

Exactly what I say above:

You'd have to sync all files to the desktop app first and then make the change there.

adamsmith · 2026-06-09T16:59:19+00:00

So yes, not possible with only an iPad (but you only need a desktop once)