JabRef for Mac

JabRef for Mac is an open-source bibliography reference manager. The native file format used by JabRef is BibTeX, the standard LaTeX bibliography format. JabRef runs on the Java VM (version 1.8 or newer) and works equally well on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

BibTeX is an application and a bibliography file format written by Oren Patashnik and Leslie Lamport for the LaTeX document preparation system. General information can be found on the CTAN BibTeX package information page. Jab Ref also supports BibLaTeX.

Bibliographies generated by LaTeX and BibTeX from a BibTeX file can be formatted to suit any reference list specifications through the use of different BibTeX and BibLaTeX style files.



Features and Highlights

Search the Web
Entries can be searched in external databases, and BibTeX entries can be fetched from there. Example sources: arXiv, CiteseerX, Google Scholar, Medline, GVK, IEEEXplore, and Springer.

Import of various formats
RIS, Medline/Pubmed (XML), Refer/Endnote, INSPEC, BibTeXML, CSA, ISI Web of Science, SilverPlatter, Scifinder, OVID, Biblioscape, Sixpack, JStor, and RIS.

Automatic download of full texts
JabRef for macOS can be instructed to search for the full text of a reference, download it, and directly link it to the BibTeX entry.

Search the bibliography
Search for a pattern in the whole bibliography.

Classification of entries
You can group entries explicitly, by keywords or any other fields.

Integrates into your environment
Launch external applications, such as PDF viewers and web browsers. Insert citations into TeXstudio, LyX, Kile, LaTeX Editor, Emacs, Vim, and WinEdt.

Automatic Key Generation BibTeX keys can be automatically generated in a customizable way from document data, e.g., using author names, title, and year.

Support for XMP Metadata in PDFs
Improve the workflow of sharing PDFs and bibliography information

Built-in and custom export formats
HTML, Docbook, BibTeXML, MODS, RTF, Refer/Endnote, and OpenOffice.org, as well as LibreOffice

Customization of the JabRef interface
Fonts, displayed fields, etc.

Customization of BibTeX fields
You can add your fields to any BibTeX entry type.

How to Use

• Install the app by dragging it to Applications
• Launch JabRef and create or open a .bib file
• Add references manually or import from external databases
• Use citation keys and group references by categories
• Link PDF files to entries for quick access
• Search, sort, and filter your bibliography
• Export bibliography in various citation styles
• Sync with online libraries like BibTeX or BibLaTeX
• Customize fields and layout for personal workflow

FAQ

What does JabRef offer on macOS?
JabRef for macOS is a free reference manager that helps organize and edit BibTeX/BibLaTeX libraries, import metadata from online sources like PubMed or arXiv, detect duplicates, and insert citations into LaTeX or Word documents.

Is JabRef easy to install and run on macOS?
Yes, installation is simple using the DMG file, but macOS security may require you to allow the app manually (via right-click > Open) or run a terminal command to bypass quarantine the first time you launch it.

Can I customize and back up my library in JabRef?
Yes, JabRef allows you to customize citation keys, rename and move linked files, and automatically saves backups, with settings that can be exported or restored manually if needed.

Is JabRef free to use on macOS?
Yes, JabRef is completely free and open-source, with no paid features or license restrictions - it’s maintained by volunteers and supported by the academic community.

System Requirements

• macOS 10.14 Mojave or later
• At least 4 GB RAM
• Java 17 or newer must be installed
• 200 MB free disk space
• Internet connection for online import/export

PROS

• Open-source and actively maintained
• Powerful BibTeX/BibLaTeX reference support
• Advanced search and grouping features
• Integration with LaTeX and external databases
• Customizable citation key generation

CONS

• Requires a Java installation separately
• The interface may feel outdated to some
• Occasional performance lags with large libraries
• Limited built-in citation style previews

Note: Requires a 64-bit processor.

Also Available: Download JabRef for Windows