Zotero Sync
If you're regularly using more than one computer in your research, Zotero's sync feature can keep your library up to date on all of them. Zotero can store a copy of your library on the Zotero.org server and check it for updates whenever you open your library on a different computer. All your computers must be running the same version of Zotero.
Data syncing merges library items, notes, links, tags, etc. — everything except attachment files — between your local computer and the Zotero servers, allowing you to work with your data from any computer with Zotero installed and to view your library online on zotero.org. Data syncing is free and unlimited, and it can be used without file syncing.
The first step to syncing your Zotero library is to create a Zotero account (which is also used for the Zotero Forums). Then, open the Sync pane of the Zotero preferences and enter your login information in the Data Syncing section.
By default, Zotero will sync your local data with the Zotero servers whenever changes are made. To disable automatic syncing, uncheck the “Sync automatically” checkbox in this section. You can sync manually at any time by clicking the “Sync with zotero.org” button on the right-hand side of the Zotero toolbar.
When Zotero syncs, it automatically applies changes in both directions — any changes you make in one place will be applied to all other synced computers. If an item has changed in multiple places in conflicting ways between syncs, you'll receive a conflict resolution dialog asking which version you'd like to keep. If you find yourself using a new computer, you can simply set up syncing and Zotero will automatically download all data from your online library.
File Syncing
Data syncing syncs library items, but doesn't sync attached files (PDFs, audio and video files, images, etc.). To sync these files, you can set up file syncing to accompany data syncing, using either Zotero Storage or WebDAV.
Plan B: Export Your Library
If you're working on a library computer, there's another easy option for taking your Zotero library with you.
On your computer, click the File menu, choose Export Library, and save the file to your USB drive. On the library's computer, click the File menu, choose Import, and find your Zotero file to import it.
When you're done, make sure to export any changes and import the new file onto your computer. The library's computers will erase your data when you log off.
