"While Zotero stores all data locally on your computer by default, Zotero's sync functionality allows you to access your Zotero library on any computer with internet access. Zotero syncing has two parts: data syncing and file syncing."
1. Data Syncing
Syncing merges library items, notes, links, tags, etc. - everything except attachment files - between your local computer and the Zotero servers.
- By default, Zotero will "Sync automatically"
OR
- You can sync manually by clicking "Sync with zotero.org"
2. File Syncing
Syncing merges PDFs, audio and visual files images, etc. between your local computer and the Zotero servers. In order to set up file syncing to accompany data syncing, use:
- Zotero Storage - Syncing of files in group libraries web-based access to PDFs and other attachments, easier set up, etc.
OR
- WebDAV - standard protocol for transferring files over the web, and it can be used to sync files in your personal library
If you sync from only one computer, you can still view your online library at zotero.org from any computer. You are able to go to another computer, log in, and Zotero will pull down your entire library from the server!
WARNING!
If you store your Zotero data directory directly in a cloud storage folder, YOU ARE LIKELY TO CORRUPT YOUR ZOTERO DATABASE!
*Information taken from the Zotero website*