Where Does Zotero Store PDFs and Data?
Zotero data directory paths on Windows, macOS and Linux, where PDFs live, and which files to back up before a move.
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Zotero keeps its library database and every attached PDF inside one data directory. By default that directory is simply called Zotero in your home folder, not buried in AppData. The storage subfolder uses coded names you should not rename by hand.
You can confirm or change it under Edit > Preferences > Advanced > Files and Folders. The profile with extensions and styles is stored separately. For a full backup, grab the data directory. The zotero.sqlite file inside is your library index and must stay with storage.
Where Zotero stores this, by platform
C:\Users\[Username]\Zotero
Attachments sit in Zotero\storage with coded folder names. The profile is separate at %appdata%\Zotero\Zotero\Profiles. Back up the Zotero folder for your actual research.
~/Zotero
Same home folder default as Windows. The profile lives at ~/Library/Application Support/Zotero/Profiles. Change the data path in Preferences if you want it on another drive.
~/Zotero
The profile is under ~/.zotero/zotero. Keep zotero.sqlite and the storage subfolder together when copying, or attachments will detach from their entries.
Frequently asked questions
Which Zotero files must I back up?
The whole data directory, at minimum zotero.sqlite and the storage folder. Sqlite holds metadata and collections, storage holds the PDFs. Copy both together while Zotero is closed.
Why is my Zotero folder using so much disk space?
Attached PDFs pile up in storage. Use Tools > Manage Attachments or check Preferences to switch some items to linked files instead of stored copies if space runs short.
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