Syncing to the Desktop app [Desktop]

With our new Desktop app, we have gotten a lot of sync questions. This article should help clear the air but if it doesn't don't despair! You can always email our support team to get help or questions answered.


Q: I used the old ReadCube legacy app. How do I get the new desktop to recognize my existing library?
A: Not a problem! A while back, we pushed an update to the legacy app that enabled us to capture the existing file paths associated to the PDFs you stored locally so we were all ready for when you wanted to move to the new app. When you open the new ReadCube Papers desktop app, we will automatically sync your library and make those files visible in the new app.

If you would like to have all of your future papers automatically downloaded locally, please set the library to “Sync Offline” (See below) - otherwise we will keep them in the cloud until you open them in the desktop app to read. You can always set "Sync Offline" status at any time, and all of the papers not already local will sync.

The default folder for new papers downloads will not be the same as your Readcube Legacy app, nor will any folder structure settings and file naming rules, but you can easily re-set that via File Management.

We recommend you don’t use the old desktop and new desktop at the same time as it can cause some issues.


ReadCube Papers Syncing Screen


Q: I transferred my Papers 3 library references to the web app. Now I want to transfer my local files. How do I do that?
A: Did you use our handy dandy uploader? (Bottom right of page on the download page) If so you are all set. The uploader will upload all of your library metadata, annotations, keywords(tags in the new app), and the location of your PDF's from Papers 3 into the new Papers app. If you used the importer all your files are still in your Papers 3 library folders. Want to move all of those papers out of your Papers 3 library into your own ReadCube library folder? Look at our file management tips on how to move them(no duplicates) or copy them(still want Papers 3 to have its own files). Didn't use the uploader? You still can. The uploader will match any existing DOI's and merge the PDF and metadata together. Any changes you make in Papers 3 will not sync to the new desktop app unless you run the uploader again.

Q: How do I sync my library offline using the new desktop app?
A: Did you use our handy dandy uploader? (Bottom right) If so you are all set. The uploader will upload all of your metadata, annotations, keywords(tags in the new app), and PDF file locations from Papers 3 into the new Papers app. If you used the importer - all your files are still in your Papers 3 library folders but you can open those PDFs that are directly accessible from the ReadCube Papers Desktop app offline.

Want to move all of those papers out of your Papers 3 library into your own ReadCube library folder? Look at our file management tips on how to move them(no duplicates) or copy them(still want Papers 3 to have its own files). Didn’t use the uploader? You still can. The uploader will match any existing DOI’s and merge the PDF and metadata together.

ReadCube Papers Library Sync Menu


Q: I accidentally deleted my local folder with all my PDFs. Do I have to download them one by one to get them back?
A: No problem! If you accidentally delete your folder on your computer with all of your PDF's you can simply toggle your offline settings to online only and then back to available offline(See above) and the application will pull everything back down for you.

Q: If I rerun the Papers 3 uploader, will I get file duplicates?
A: The uploader keeps track of all of the references you have already uploaded. So if you run it again you won't get any duplicates and it will only upload any changes you have made or new articles you may have added. Had some duplicates in Papers 3 library that you want to get rid of in the new app? Just merge those duplicates by right click two items and clicking merge.

ReadCube Papers Merge


Q: If I delete a PDF from my local computer folder does it delete it from the cloud?
A: Nope! If you delete any files from your computer folder it only deletes that copy - it will not delete it from the cloud. All of your annotations and PDF's are saved in the cloud. As soon as you try and read that paper again the desktop app will go ahead and download the freshest copy available to you. Even if you choose to have you library sync offline, if you have actively removed the local files, it won't automatically replace it unless you engage with the paper. Need something deleted from your library? Just right click on the reference and choose delete from the library.

ReadCube Papers Delete from Library button


Q: If I delete a paper from my ReadCube Papers library (desktop or web), and I have that PDF synced offline in my library folder locally, does it delete that local copy too?
A: If you delete a paper from your REadCube Papers library, it will be deleted from the cloud and as you sync your devices - removed from your devices. We do not remove the physical copy from your desktop. You will need to delete that separately.

Q: Can I choose which PDFs can be synced offline or does it have to be my whole library?
A: If you choose, Sync Offline, you will download entire personal or shared libraries initially and it will auto download new papers you have added to you library as you go - leaving you with a full-offline copy of your library. You can't however choose specific lists or sublists within those libraries to only download.


If you only want to download PDFs as you go, you can click the Download PDF button in the right panel. Also anything you want to read on the desktop is downloaded locally first. 


Download PDF from within ReadCube Papers desktop app

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