Plugins / Files, sync & backup

ZotLink

by Yihtsy · github.com/Yihtsy/ZotLink

A Windows manager for linked attachments that repairs broken links by file ID and moves files as collections change.

ZotLink has Atlas grade C (not recommended) because it writes to Zotero's database directly. It works with Zotero 10. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.2 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.
150
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
243
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
6
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
1
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
MIT
C
Atlas gradeNot recommended
because it writes to Zotero's database directly
Applies to v0.8.0, released 15 Oct 2026Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
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 Yihtsy 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 this version
Where your data goesOnly contacts services we could identify3 addresses in 2 groups.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Scholarly services (2)
api.crossref.orgdoi.orgnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
Zotero (1)
Zotero lookup services
Where we found it
api.crossref.orgcontent/windows-pdf/zotlink_pdf/crossref.py · line 17
url = f"https://api.crossref.org/works/{quote(doi, safe='')}"
Powerful capabilitiesWrites to Zotero's database directly, and 3 moreHighHigh concern: a serious problem. One high finding makes the grade C.
High concern (1)
Writes to Zotero's database directly
Medium concern (1)
Launches programs on your computer
Low concern (2)
Uses the clipboardWorks with files on your computer
Where we found it
Writes to Zotero's database directlycontent/zotlink.js · line 4616

Tables: collectionItems, itemAttachments

await Zotero.DB.queryAsync(
Launches programs on your computercontent/zotlink.js · line 8106

Programs it names include py, pyw, wscript

await Zotero.Utilities.Internal.exec(wscriptPath, [vbsPath]);
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 10 · not 9, 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 9 ✗ doesn't workZotero 10 ✓ worksZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needNothing extra detectedDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 15 Oct 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in English and ChineseInterface: English and Chinese
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

A Windows manager for linked attachments that repairs broken links by file ID and moves files as collections change. Also rebuilds a library from a folder by DOI or ISBN, renames PDFs and copies Markdown links for Obsidian. Needs Zotero 10.

For people who keep PDFs in ordinary folders instead of Zotero storage, so that files survive renaming or moving. Interface mixes English and Chinese.

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: only contacts services we could identify. 3 addresses in 2 groups.

Scholarly services (2)
api.crossref.orgdoi.orgnamed in its code
Zotero (1)
Zotero lookup services
Evidence · file and line
api.crossref.orgcontent/windows-pdf/zotlink_pdf/crossref.py · line 17
url = f"https://api.crossref.org/works/{quote(doi, safe='')}"

Other plugins that do this

Matched on what they do

For the same job, work with Zotero 10 and graded B 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 “move attachments to a folder” · 991,569 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10
  • B
    Zotero Attanger

    Manages attachment files: attach your latest download to an item with one shortcut, rename files with Zotero's naming template, and move them into a folder tree built from metadata or collections, ready for Dropbox or OneDrive.

    Matches “rename attachment files by template” · 2.79M downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10, 11 beta
  • A
    Attanger Plus

    Keeps linked-file folders matched one-to-one with your collections when used with Attanger.

    Matches “sync linked file folders with collections” · 65 downloads · Active · Zotero 8–10
Compare all 4 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 ZotLink v0.8.0

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Install ZotLink
CNot recommended
We don't recommend itIt writes to Zotero's database directly.
Better-graded plugins for the same jobA+NoteroA+zotxtA+ODF Scan for Zotero
Read what we found