Zotero: Synchronize
your library

Working on another computer? There's another easy way to take your Zotero library with you.

On your computer,

• Click the File menu
• Choose Export Library
• Save the file to your USB drive
• Select the File menu, choose Import, and find your Zotero file to import it.

Why Sync?

Zotero's sync feature will keep your library up to date across multiple computers. 

• All your computers must be running the same version of Zotero.

Set Up Sync

First, set up a (free, of course) Zotero.org user account. Then:

1. Open Zotero preferences (via the gear menu) and select the Sync tab. 
2. Enter your Zotero user name and password. 
3. Check the "sync automatically" box.
4. Check both boxes under File Syncing and choose Zotero storage for My Library.
   • This will sync your PDF attachments as well as citations (more info).
5. Click the green circular arrow button at the top right corner of the Zotero window.
6. Zotero will upload your library to the server.

Repeat this configuration on each of your computers. Any updates you make on one of your computers will be reflected on the others. This even works to synchronize your library among Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

For more details and help troubleshooting sync problems, check the Zotero site.