Import BibTeX files

You can add references from a BibTeX file to your library by uploading it to Paperpile. Once imported, these references will be available for use in your documents.

You can import BibTeX files just like any other files. Simply drag and drop from your computer to the Paperpile window, or use Add > Upload files.

See Import data from any program via RIS or BibTeX files

After import, review the progress window for any errors. References with formatting problems may be skipped or imported with incomplete information.

You can manually edit these references (See Edit metadata) or auto-update these references afterwards (See Update metadata automatically)

Common questions and notes

BibTeX keys during import

When you import a BibTeX file, Paperpile assigns new BibTeX keys to all references to ensure consistency and avoid duplicates in your library. The original BibTeX keys from your imported file are not preserved.

New citation keys are generated according to your chosen citation key pattern. You can change this pattern to suit your needs, see Citation keys

Uploading BibTeX files with PDFs

You can upload PDFs along with your BibTeX files. Paperpile will extract metadata from your PDF files and automatically attach each PDF to the corresponding reference in your BibTeX file when it finds a match.

To ensure PDFs or other files are correctly attached to the intended reference, you can directly link files in your BibTeX entries. See Import data from any program via RIS or BibTeX files

File extensions for BibTeX files

If you're trying to upload a BibTeX file without a file extension, rename the file to include either .bib or .bibtex so Paperpile can recognize it properly.

For example, rename a file called "Manuscript" to "Manuscript.bib".

Can I import BibLaTeX files?

Paperpile supports BibLaTeX files as long as they have a .bib or .bibtex file extension.

How are keywords in BibTeX entries imported?

When you import BibTeX files, the keywords field from BibTeX entries is mapped to the keywords field in Paperpile references. Keywords are not automatically converted to Paperpile labels during import.