Numify automatically adds hierarchical numeric prefixes to your Zotero collection names. Create, rename, delete, or reorder collections — the numbering stays in sync.

Features

• Auto-prefix on creation — New collections and sub-collections are instantly numbered
• 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 are stored in the collection name, so Zotero syncs them natively
• Leading zero padding — Optionally pad top-level prefixes 1–9 as 01–09 for correct alphabetical sorting (useful for Zotero Android)

Future releases

• More sorting strings - Different methods to sort collections (A.B.C.D, a.b.c.d, I.II.III.IV, i.ii.iii.iv, etc)

Library
├── 1 Physics
│   ├── 1.1 Quantum Mechanics
│   │   ├── 1.1.1 Entanglement
│   │   └── 1.1.2 Superposition
│   └── 1.2 Classical Mechanics
├── 2 Mathematics
│   ├── 2.1 Algebra
│   └── 2.2 Calculus
└── 3 Chemistry

Requirements

• Zotero 7, 8, 9, or 10 — Download from zotero.org

Installation

1. Download the latest numify.xpi from the Releases page

2. Open Zotero and go to Tools > Add-ons

3. Click the gear icon (⚙) in the top-right corner and select Install Add-on From File...

4. Browse to the downloaded numify.xpi file and click Open. Also available on the Zotero Add-ons market (https://github.com/syt2/zotero-addons)

5. Restart Zotero if prompted

Building from source (optional):

git clone https://github.com/Rafael-Silva-Oliveira/numify.git
cd numify
npm install
npm run build

The built .xpi will be at .scaffold/build/numify.xpi

Usage

Note: If you are using an external storage other than Zoteros default, I recommend using ZotMoov to sync your collections across devices.

Creating collections

When you create a new collection, Numify automatically assigns the next available prefix.

1. Create a new collection in your library — Numify adds the prefix automatically

   

2. The collection appears with its hierarchical prefix

   

Creating sub-collections

Sub-collections receive prefixes relative to their parent.

1. Right-click a collection and create a new sub-collection

   

2. The full hierarchy is numbered automatically — sub-collections, sub-sub-collections, and beyond

   

Reordering collections

Since Zotero doesn't support drag-and-drop reordering between collections (only to another collection), Numify lets you reorder by editing the prefix.

For example, to move 2.1.2 Another one to position 1:

1. Starting from this hierarchy:

   

2. Rename 2.1.2 Another one to 2.1.1 Another one

3. Collapse and re-expand the parent collection (in this case 2.1 Sub-Collection) for the order to refresh

4. Numify detects the position change and shifts the other collections accordingly — Another one is now 2.1.1 and Yet another sub-collection! shifted to 2.1.2

   

Tip: After changing a prefix, simply collapse and re-open the parent collection in the sidebar to see the updated order.

Settings

To access Numify's settings, go to Edit → Settings → Numify (or Zotero → Settings → Numify on macOS).

Max depth (1–20)

Controls how many levels deep the numeric prefix goes. For example:

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

Collections beyond the configured depth keep only their base name with no prefix. Changing this setting immediately renumbers all collections in your library.

Separator

The character placed between the numeric prefix and the collection name. Choose from:

Option	Example
Space (default)	1.2.3 My Collection
Dash	1.2.3 - My Collection

Changing the separator immediately renames all collections in your library to use the new format.

Leading zero

When enabled, top-level prefixes 1–9 are padded to 01–09. This ensures collections sort correctly in apps that use alphabetical ordering, such as Zotero for Android. Sub-collections use unpadded numbering (1.1, 1.2.3, etc.).

Setting	Top-level	Sub-collection
Off (default)	1 Physics	1.1 Quantum
On	01 Physics	1.1 Quantum

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

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This project was designed with assistance from AI. Learn more about the AI label initiative.