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Migrate from JabRef

By · Updated Jun 27, 2025

Import your existing JabRef library directly into Paperpile following these steps:

  1. Export your JabRef library as BibTeX, which is the default format of your library. Or, alternatively, you can select individual entries to export JabRef. Go to File > Export > Export selected entries and choose BibTeX or RIS format.
    JabRef on macOS with the File menu open on Export and its submenu showing “Export all entries”, “Export selected entries” and “Save selected as plain BibTeX…”, over a library list of entries.
  2. In Paperpile, open the Add menu
  3. Choose Import from other programs > JabRef
    The Add menu open with “Import from other programs… — Migrate from EndNote, Mendeley, Zotero…” highlighted, below Upload files, Create new, Search online and Paste, and above Create shared library.
  4. You can create a new folder on your computer for your exported JabRef bibliography and related PDF files. Drag and drop the folder in the Choose JabRef folder… field.
  5. Click Start import
    The “Import from JabRef” dialog asking you to locate your JabRef folder, with a “Choose JabRef folder…” drop zone and Back, Cancel and “Start import” buttons.