Citation manager

Software that stores your sources, imports them from databases and builds in-text citations and reference lists in the style you choose.

A citation manager (or reference manager) keeps your sources in one personal library. You import details from databases, library catalogs and web pages, add notes or PDFs, and then let the program insert in-text citations and build a reference list in a style such as APA or MLA. Many connect to Word and Google Docs.

The best-known tools. Library guides compare EndNote, Mendeley and Zotero.

• Zotero is free and open source.
• Mendeley has a built-in PDF viewer and a free tier with limited storage.
• EndNote is commercial and long established, and is often recommended for very large projects.

Pricing, storage limits and features change, so check each tool’s website.

What they don’t do. A citation manager formats whatever data you give it. If the imported record has a wrong year or a misspelled author, the citation will too. Check each imported record against the source, and check your finished reference list.

Where PaperCitation fits. PaperCitation is not a citation manager and keeps no library for you. You can check a finished list with the reference checker, build single citations with the generator, and export a list as .docx, BibTeX or RIS to take into a citation manager.