jabref
open-source bibliography reference manager
TLDR
Start JabRef
SYNOPSIS
jabref [options] [file...]
DESCRIPTION
JabRef is an open-source bibliography reference manager. It uses BibTeX/BibLaTeX format natively and integrates with LaTeX editors like TeXstudio, Emacs, and VS Code.
JabRef can import from many formats (RIS, EndNote, PubMed), fetch references from online databases, and manage PDF attachments. It supports grouping, searching, and automatic key generation.
PARAMETERS
file
BibTeX file to open.--import file
Import from file.--importToOpen file
Import and add to current library.--export file
Export to file.--exportMatches query,file
Export matching entries.--fetch fetcher:query
Fetch entries from online database.-n, --nogui
Run without GUI.--help
Show help.
FEATURES
- BibTeX/BibLaTeX native format
- Web search (DOI, arXiv, PubMed)
- PDF and file management
- Duplicate detection
- Custom entry types
- Shared databases
CAVEATS
Requires Java runtime. Large libraries may be slow. Some web fetchers have rate limits.
HISTORY
JabRef was started by Morten O. Alver in 2003 as an open-source alternative to commercial reference managers. It's maintained by a community of developers and is popular in academic circles.