Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Files, sync & backup

Zotero Link Local Files

by retorquere · github.com/retorquere/zotero-link-local-files

Links dropped or imported files instead of copying them into Zotero storage.

Zotero Link Local Files has Atlas grade A (recommended) because every code check came out low. It's a Zotero 6 plugin, so Zotero 7 and later can't load it. What to use instead. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

Files, sync & backup
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.00 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
In useAn estimate of how many copies of Zotero have it: Zotero downloads each new version once for every copy that has the plugin, so we count the downloads of its most-downloaded recent release. Rounded. Plugins that update from outside GitHub count low.
430
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
607
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
8
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
24
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
5
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
Unlicense
A
Atlas gradeRecommended
because every code check came out low
Applies to v5.0.2, released 16 Nov 2018Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
Legacy plugin for Zotero 6 onlyUses the old plugin format. Zotero 7 and later can't load it.
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyReadable code; not yet checked against the published sourceThe developer uploaded the release file from the retorquere account. We haven't yet checked whether this file matches the public source code.UnknownWe couldn't check this yet.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repositoryThe update address offers version 0.0.19, which isn't newer than this one, so Zotero won't update it for now
Where your data goesNo web requests foundLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
No further detail for this area yet.
Powerful capabilitiesNo powerful capabilities foundLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
No further detail for this area yet.
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 6 only (legacy plugin)Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)MediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Zotero 9 ✗ doesn't workZotero 10 ✗ doesn't workZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needNothing extra detectedDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceDormant · last release 16 Nov 20185 contributors
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface: English
No further detail for this area yet.
We report what we found in the code. Open any area for the evidence.How we gradeReport a problem

What it does

Written by AI from the README

Links dropped or imported files instead of copying them into Zotero storage. This happens whenever the file already lives in your configured linked attachments base directory. It applies Zotero-wide and has no settings.

For people who keep PDFs in their own synced folder, such as one shared with a tablet, it saves manually converting each imported file to a link. Linking breaks if files are renamed, and linked files do not sync to other users.

What you'll need

Detected automatically

We haven't detected any setup requirements. That isn't the same as none: check the developer's README.

Where your data goes

We found: no web requests found.

Other plugins that do this

Matched on what they do

For the same job, work with Zotero 10 and graded A or better. Closest match first.

  • A
    ZotMoov

    Moves or copies attachments into a folder you choose as linked files, automatically on import or by right-click.

    Matches “linked files instead of stored files” · 991,569 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10
    Works with Zotero 10Actively maintained
Compare all 2 side by side
How we pick these

By how closely what they do matches this plugin, using descriptions and the phrases people search with. Copies and forks of this plugin are listed under Forks and copies instead. No plugin pays to appear here.

Forks and copies

No forks listed.

The developer's response

The developer hasn't responded. Developers can reply here, and their reply sits next to our findings.I'm the developer

Ratings and reviews

What people who use it say. This is separate from the grade, which is what the code does, and never changes it.

No ratings yet.

Write a review
Your rating of Zotero Link Local Files v5.0.2

Your review is public, under the name you give, and published with the directory's data under CC BY 4.0. Links are removed. We never store your IP address: a scrambled code made from it is kept for 30 days to catch fake reviews. Every review is checked before it's published; how fake ones are spotted isn't published, so it can't be gamed.

Install Zotero Link Local Files
ARecommended
  1. 1Download the plugin fileDownload v5.0.2.xpi · 0.00 MB
  2. 2In Zotero, open Tools › Plugins
  3. 3Click the gear, choose Install Plugin From File… and pick the file
Step-by-step guide with pictures