Numify
A Zotero plugin that automatically adds hierarchical numeric prefixes to your collection names. Create, rename, delete, or reorder collections — the numbering stays in sync.
What problem am I addressing?
If you use Zotero to manage a growing research library, you’ve probably noticed that collections don’t have any built-in way to enforce a consistent ordering. You can nest them, but there’s no numbering, no drag-and-drop reordering, and no visual hierarchy beyond indentation. Once you have dozens of collections and sub-collections, it becomes hard to keep things organized at a glance.
Numify solves this by automatically assigning hierarchical numeric prefixes to every collection in your library. When you create, rename, delete, or move a collection, the numbering updates itself — no manual renumbering needed. Since the prefixes are stored in the collection name itself, they sync natively across all your devices via Zotero Sync.
Another name for this plugin could have been Numero (Number + Zotero), but decided to go with Numify instead!
- 1 Physics
- 1.1 Quantum Mechanics
- 1.1.1 Entanglement
- 1.1.2 Superposition
- 1.2 Classical Mechanics
- 1.1 Quantum Mechanics
- 2 Mathematics
- 2.1 Algebra
- 2.2 Calculus
- 3 Chemistry
How it works
Numify hooks into Zotero’s Notifier API to listen for collection events in real time:
| Event | What happens |
|---|---|
| Create | New collection is assigned the next prefix; all siblings are renumbered |
| Rename | Base name change → prefix is reapplied. Prefix change → siblings are reordered |
| Delete / Trash | Remaining siblings are renumbered to close gaps |
| Move | Both old and new parent’s children are renumbered |
Creating collections
When you create a new collection, Numify automatically assigns the next available prefix.
Creating sub-collections
Sub-collections receive prefixes relative to their parent, supporting unlimited nesting depth (1.2.3.4.5...).
Reordering collections
Since Zotero doesn’t support drag-and-drop reordering, Numify lets you reorder by editing the prefix. Change a collection’s prefix to the desired position, collapse and re-expand the parent, and Numify shifts everything accordingly.
Update: v0.2.0
Version 0.2.0 introduces a dedicated Settings pane accessible via Edit → Settings → Numify (or Zotero → Settings → Numify on macOS), giving you fine-grained control over how prefixes are applied across your library.
Max depth (1–20)
Controls how many levels deep the numeric prefix goes. Collections beyond the configured depth keep only their base name with no prefix. Changing this setting immediately renumbers all collections in your library.
| Max depth | Example result |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Physics, 2 Math — sub-collections have no prefix |
| 2 | 1 Physics, 1.1 Quantum — deeper levels have no prefix |
| 6 | 1.2.3.4.5.6 Deep — default, covers most use cases |
Separator
The character placed between the numeric prefix and the collection name. Changing the separator immediately renames all collections in your library to use the new format.
| Option | Example |
|---|---|
| Space (default) | 1.2.3 My Collection |
| Dash | 1.2.3 - My Collection |
Key Features
- Auto-prefix on creation — New collections and sub-collections are instantly numbered
- Deep nesting — Supports unlimited depth (
1.2.3.4.5...) - Configurable depth — Set how many levels deep the prefix goes (1–20)
- Custom separator — Choose between space or dash
- Reorder by renaming — Change a prefix to move a collection to a new position
- Gap-free numbering — Deleting a collection renumbers remaining siblings automatically
- Rename-safe — Change the base name and your prefix is preserved
- Syncs across devices — Prefixes live in the collection name, so Zotero syncs them natively
Requirements
- Zotero 7.0 or later (Zotero 7 and 8 supported)