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JabRef

With JabRef you manage literature references, link your PDFs to publications and keep up with your BibTeX or BibLaTeX library.

Developer JabRef

Version 5.15 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux

Looking for an alternative to JabRef?Compare Zotero.Compare alternatives

JabRef helps you organise sources for a report, thesis or publication. You store links in a BibTeX or BibLaTeX file and can complete data with identifiers such as a DOI. For example, you don't have to type title, authors and publication data manually. Check imported data, especially for older publications or deviant names.

You can host resources in groups and link files like PDFs to a link. The library thus remains an overview of your literature, while the entire text can be in a separate file. That distinction is important when moving your folder: not only bring the bibliography file, but also linked documents.

JabRef fits well into a workflow with LaTeX, but also has possibilities for other word processors. The program manages your source data; the desired citation style and final formatting depend on your write program. There are installation packages and official portable expenses. For portable use, you can have the preferences stored next to the program.

Which software suits you?

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Differences between JabRef and Zotero
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
JabRefYou are viewing this app With JabRef you manage literature references, link your PDFs to publications and keep up with your BibTeX or BibLaTeX library. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
ZoteroView this alternative You want to collect literature with a different browser and collaboration workflow. Windows, macOS, LinuxAGPL-3.0-only

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You process a lot of literature and want to store source data in an open text format. Especially with LaTeX and re-use of the same sources in multiple documents, JabRef is useful.

Getting started

Download the stable release for your system. Create a library and import some sources first. In portable use the option to store preferences in jabref.xml.

Privacy

Your library can stay local. When searching for DOIS or other metadata, send search data to the selected external service. Linked PDFs may contain copyrighted or confidential material; please note which folder you share.

Good to know

Bibliographical data continue to need checking Some links require additional furnishings Less suitable as general note app

Please note

Automatically retrieved source data may contain errors. Check authors, year and title before quoting. Also back up linked documents, not just the .bib file.

Advantages

  • Works directly with BibTeX and BibLaTeX Group resources and link PDFs Official portable edition available

Things to consider

  • Bibliographical data continue to need control Some links require additional equipment Less suitable as general note app

Download JabRef

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Official download page

Provider’s website · github.com

Download JabRef (opens in a new tab)

Version history

5.15

New groups immediately get the right focus so you can work with it.

  • New groups immediately get the right focus so you can work with it.
  • The Intel release for macOS and the storage of preferences in the Snap package have been corrected.
  • On Windows, recognizing the LibreOffice executable files has been improved.
Report a new version

Is there a newer version of JabRef? Send the version number and a link to the official announcement. Our editors will check it. No login is required.

Our verdict

JabRef is a good choice when you want to control your literature file and already work with BibTeX or BibLaTeX. The open text format makes exchange and version management easier. The profit is mainly in collecting and recovering consistent source data. For working with people who use another reference manager, you first need to arrange the exchange and file locations. Do not import blindly: an error in the source data will appear again and again in your literature list.

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