Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Reading & PDFs

Zotero Watch Folder

by josesiqueira · github.com/josesiqueira/zotero-watch-folder

Zotero plugin: watch a folder and auto-import PDFs with metadata, dedup, smart rules, and optional two-way collection sync with safe delete.

Reading & PDFsOrganising & tagsImport & metadataFiles, sync & backup
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.2 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
49
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
1,915
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
3
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
GPL-3.0
A
Atlas gradeRecommended
because every code check came out low
Applies to v2.8.5, released 23 Jun 2026Code checked · tested installed in Zotero 9.0.6 on 27 Sep 2026
Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)Works with Zotero 7, 8, 9.
Another plugin uses the same ID2 other plugins share this add-on ID. Zotero can only install one of them.
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 josesiqueira 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 identify1 address in 1 group.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Zotero (1)
Zotero lookup services
Powerful capabilitiesWorks with files on your computerLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7, 8, 9 · not 10, 11 betaDoesn't work with the current Zotero (10)MediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Zotero 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✗ doesn't workZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needZotero 7, 8, 9Detected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 23 Jun 20263 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

Description coming soon. We haven't written a summary yet. The line above is the developer's own description; the developer's README is linked above.

What you'll need

Detected automatically
  • Zotero 7, 8, 9Not working with Zotero 10

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 1 address in 1 group.

Zotero (1)
Zotero lookup services

Forks and alternatives

2 other plugins use the same ID as this one. Every Zotero plugin carries an ID, a name tag Zotero uses to tell plugins apart. These 3 plugins carry the same one, because people copied Zotero Watch Folder to make their own versions and kept its ID.Show what this means
  • You can only have one. Zotero sees them as the same plugin.
  • Installing another replaces it. If you install one of the others, it takes this one's place.
  • Check what you install. Several share this plugin's name, so make sure the file comes from the one you meant.
Zotero Watch Folder · this pluginjosesiqueira/zotero-watch-folderARecommended1,91523 Jun 2026
See all 3 and how they differ →

3 listed forks.

Plugins for the same job
  • NoteroReading & PDFs · Files, sync & backupA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • ZoplicateOrganising & tagsA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • ZotMoovOrganising & tags · Files, sync & backupA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Zutilo Utility for ZoteroOrganising & tagsA+Recommended, tested in Zotero

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
Install Zotero Watch Folder
ARecommended
  1. 1Download the plugin fileDownload v2.8.5.xpi · 0.2 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