JabRef is a cross-platform open-source application designed as an interface to BibTeX databases. The application supports the BibTeX data format to manage databases better, save time, and increase productivity. Moreover, the program allows you to import data from various formats to include them in the correct bibliographic format. The program has a user-friendly interface. JabRef is written in Java to support all popular platforms and systems, including Mac.

Primary features

• Fully compatible with BibTeX;

• Full-text search of entire bibliography;

• Import various formats, such as BibTeXML, CSA, Refer/Endnote, Web of Knowledge, SilverPlatter, Medline/Pubmed (XML), Scifinder, OVID, INSPEC, Biblioscape, Sixpack, JStor, and RIS;

• Export in various formats, such as HTML, Docbook, BibTeXML, MODS, RTF, Refer/Endnote, and OpenOffice.org;

• Grouping by any BibTeX fields and keywords;

• Integration with a desktop environment: launching PDF/PS viewers, a browser, inserting citations in LyX, Kile, LatexEDitor, Emacs, Vim, WinEdt, and OpenOffice.org;

• Plugin support;

• Automatic creation of BibTeX keys;

• Search in Medline, Citeseer, IEEEXplore, and arXiv.org.

User-friendly interface

JabRef has a user-friendly interface and various settings and uses BibTex (a format for creating formatted bibliography lists) as an internal format. A database with the desired list of references using one of the available templates is supported in building your list of bibliographic references.

Working with any number of databases

JabRef for Mac supports working with any number of databases opened in tabs. You can open and edit bib files created in other applications, such as Bibfilex, KBibTeX, etc., compatible with the BibTex standard format. New references can be added using online scientometric abstract databases, such as Medline, Citeseer, IEEEXplore, Springer Link, or arXiv.

Working with JDBC

JabRef uses the JDBC (Java DataBase Connectivity) database to store bibliographic reference lists. Synchronization with external databases can also be enabled. The program supports import from multiple formats (BibTeXML, CSA, Refer/Endnote, Web of Knowledge, SilverPlatter, Medline/Pubmed, Scifinder, OVID, INSPEC, Biblioscape, Sixpack, etc.) and export to some popular text formats (HTML, Docbook, BibTeXML, MODS, RTF, Refer/Endnote, and LibreOffice/OpenOffice).

JabRef for Mac also supports integration with word-processor and PDF viewer applications and plug-ins to extend the functionality. Controls are performed using the mouse and/or keyboard shortcuts (fully customizable).