What are the benefits of using a cloud-based reference manager?

Using a cloud-based reference manager offers several advantages over traditional, locally-installed reference management software. Some of the benefits of using a cloud-based reference manager include:
- Accessibility: Cloud-based reference managers allow you to access your references and citation library from any device with an internet connection. This is particularly useful for researchers or students who work on multiple devices or need to access their references while on the go.
- Synchronization: Cloud-based reference managers automatically synchronize your library across different devices. When you add or edit a reference on one device, the changes are reflected on all your connected devices.
- Collaboration: Cloud-based reference managers often offer collaborative features, enabling multiple users to work together on a single project or share and collaborate on reference collections. This makes it easier to collaborate efficiently.
- Backup and data security: Storing your references in the cloud provides an added layer of data security.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Cloud-based reference managers are generally compatible with various operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and work well on different web browsers. This ensures that you can use the reference manager regardless of the device or platform you are using.
- Online access to PDFs and full-text articles: Some cloud-based reference managers offer integrated PDF management, allowing you to store and access full-text articles alongside your references.
- Web clipping and citation import: Many cloud-based reference managers provide browser extensions that allow you to easily capture and import references directly from websites, databases, or academic papers you come across online.
- Mobile apps: Cloud-based reference managers usually offer mobile apps for smartphones and tablets, enabling you to access your references and work on your research from anywhere, even when you're away from your computer.
Paperpile is a cloud-based reference manager and allows you to:
- Access your library from anywhere and on any device
- Automatically sync across all your devices
- Work collaboratively in Google Docs
- Annotate your PDFs and save them directly to Google Drive
- Save references and PDFs to your library with one click
- Access your references on our iOS and Android Apps
“One place to organize all the PDF documents including scientific papers and books. Being able to access them through Google Drive is a game changer.” —Research Scientist, Boston Dynamics AI Institute
⇨ Does Google have a reference manager?
⇨ What is the most used reference manager?
⇨ Should I use a reference manager?
Frequently Asked Questions about benefits of a cloud-based reference manager
What are the benefits of using a cloud-based reference manager?
The benefits of using a cloud-based reference manager are easy accessibility and sync of your library, cross-platform compatibility, an extra layer of security through backups, and facilitated collaboration with others.
What does a reference manager do?
Reference managers allow you to import and export citations, manage PDFs, format bibliographies, and organize your research library.
Why should I use Paperpile?
Paperpile is a fast and easy-to-use reference manager. It allows you to collect, organize, and cite your references wherever you are. With Paperpile, you can sync your PDFs to Google Drive, read and annotate them on mobile apps, and cite your papers in Google Docs and Microsoft Word. Try Paperpile with a 30-day free trial (no credit card needed).