Where Does Zotero Store PDFs and Its Database?
Zotero data directory with zotero.sqlite and the storage folder of PDF attachments on every OS.
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Zotero keeps a zotero.sqlite database plus a storage folder of 8 character attachment subfolders in one data directory, defaulting to Zotero in your home folder. Linked files are the exception; those stay where you left them.
The authoritative finder is in app: Settings, Advanced, Files and Folders, Show Data Directory. Close Zotero before copying anything.
Where Zotero stores this, by platform
%USERPROFILE%\Zotero
zotero.sqlite plus storage at the root. Back up the whole folder with Zotero closed; the .bak files beside the database are automatic safety copies.
~/Zotero
Same layout. Preferences live separately in the Firefox style profile dir, so data moves without settings.
~/Zotero
Same layout. Custom locations set in settings are not auto migrated; move the files yourself after changing the path.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly should I back up in Zotero?
The entire data directory: zotero.sqlite, storage and the sibling folders. The database without storage restores metadata with dead attachments.
Why is my Zotero folder huge?
Stored PDFs and snapshots under storage. Linked files and group libraries synced online do not shrink it; prune attachments or move to linked files.
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