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Citation Managers

A guide to the most commonly-used free citation management tools.

Managing Your Citations

All Three Programs Can: 

  • Safely store your citations in a single location;
  • Pull in citations from library databases; 
  • Format bibliographies in pre-set citation formats, including common styles such as MLA, APA, Chicago, and CSE. 
  • Attach files such as .pdfs or notes related to resources; 
  • Insert citations into your chosen word processor;
  • Be used for free!
     

Reasons to Choose EndNote Basic: 

  • Well-established citation management software;
  • 6000+ citation styles;
  • Easily import existing folders from Refworks into EndNote Basic;
  • Cooperates well with library's new website and search platform;
  • Shares log-in credentials with Web of Science; 
  • Allows shared group folders between users.
     

Reasons to Choose Mendeley: 

  • Easy-to-use interface; 
  • Well adept at storing .pdf files and has an integrated .pdf viewer;
  • Cooperates well with library's new website and search platform;
  • Browser extension available for recording citations outside of library databases
     

Reasons to Choose Zotero: 

  • Allows for shared folders between users;
  • Good for pulling in content from a diverse range of sources, including sites such as ARTstor and Flickr; 
  • Includes a more robust browser extension for capturing content outside of library databases; 
  • Open-source platform, making it a more sustainable platform for long-term use. 

 

Comparison Chart

  EndNote Basic Mendeley Zotero

Cost

 Free if Using Basic Version Free Free
Access Web App Desktop App; Web App; (Sync w/ Each Other) Desktop App; Web App (Sync w/ Each Other)
Cross-Platform Mac & Windows Mac, Windows, & Linux Mac, Windows, & Linux
Organize PDFs and Other Documents Yes Yes Yes
Selective Syncing of Documents Yes Yes

Yes
Annotate/Highlight PDFs Yes Yes No
Tagging Allows you to add 'Keywords' Yes Yes
Full-Text Searching Across PDFs Yes Yes Yes
Private  Groups Yes Yes Yes
Public Groups No Yes (Up to 3 People) Yes
Community Network No    
Mobile App None with Free Account iOS and Android No Official Apps
Built-In Citation Formats

6000+ Citation Styles

 15 Citation Styles 12 Citation Styles
Additional Notes: 
  1. Uses Same Login Credentials as Web of Science, so users who have an existing Web of Science account will not have to create a new login. 
     
  2. For CSE style citations, does not abbreviate journal titles automatically. Users will have to abbreviate the titles themselves. 
     
  3. Allows users to transfer citations directly into folders (called groups in EndNote) from pre-existing folders in Refworks. Allows for maintaining of organization system(s).
  1. Users must download a plugin to create a bibliography in their chosen word processor. 
     
  2. Does not allow importing of Refworks citations directly into folders. Must re-create any existing folders from Refworks. 
  1. In order to import files from Refworks, users will have to install Zotero on their personal computers.
     
  2. For most other uses, there is an online platform that is accessible anywhere. Must install browser extension in order to allow for sync with desktop.
     
  3. Does not allow importing of Refworks citations directly into folders. Must re-create any existing folders from Refworks. 
     
  4. Zotero is an open-source product, meaning that it is not owned by a private company and has more sustainable long-term access.

 

 

Word Processor Compatibility

  Microsoft Word (Windows) Microsoft Word (Macs) OpenOffice Apple Pages Google Docs LibreOffice
EndNote Basic Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mendeley Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Zotero Yes yes Yes No Yes Yes