Mendeley Reference Manager - This web application is the primary way to use Mendeley. From the app you can import citations straight from databases, access your libraries from anywhere, and sync to your Mendeley Desktop. Note: As of September 1, 2022, Mendeley users will no longer be able to download a desktop version of Mendeley Reference Manager. The web application should be sufficient to meet the needs of most Mendeley users and can be easily accessed from any device.
Mendeley Cite - You can quickly generate citations from the references in your Mendeley library using this Microsoft Word plug-in. The plug-in works with Microsoft® Office 365 and the free version of Microsoft Word for the web as well.
Web Importer - This is an additional tool for researchers that attaches to your bookmark toolbar and allows you to directly import citations from databases and websites to your Mendeley library.
Mendeley is a free reference management tool that allows you to generate citations, annotate and organize PDFs, and access your research sources across devices. Mendeley also includes a social element, through which you can discover new research ideas and collaborate with others.
Why Should I Use Mendeley?
Mendeley's reference managing capabilities make it a valuable tool for students, researchers, and faculty. Because Mendeley helps you store citations, links, and full-text articles that you gather as you research, not only will those materials be easier to find again, but you'll have the ability to quickly and easily cite those resources when you're ready. Mendeley works with Microsoft Word and Open Office to insert in-text citations and compose bibliographies in just a few mouse clicks.
See the links below for some comparisons of citation management tools, including Mendeley.
Mendeley | Zotero | |
Cost | Free (costs for upgraded storage, costs for private groups of more than 3 people) | Free (open source - costs for upgraded storage) |
Usability | Moderately Easy | Easy |
Features/Functionality | Can store references online & share with others using group function; can sync with Zotero; can annotate PDFs | One-click capture works with more resources than Mendeley--can save snapshots of webpages and annotate them; can store references online & share with others using shared folders |
Compatibility with Databases | Yes, can export citations from most databases including Google Scholar, but not Scholar | Can export citations from most online databases, Google Scholar, and Scholar |
Usability on Tablets | Has a mobile app for iOS (free) and 3rd party app for Android | Has third party mobile apps (price varies) |
Install Process | Can use browser plugin for Firefox & Chrome (couldn't get it to work on IE); no longer offers desktop version (only web app), so offline access is not possible | Can use Firefox plugin or download plugin for Chrome, Safari (not IE), also can download standalone version for Windows; can sync across multiple browsers, but also saves to local computer for offline use |
Space | Unlimited on desktop, up to 2 GB free web space | Unlimited on desktop, 300 MB free web space |
Word Plug-in | Yes, Word for Windows 2000 or later or Open Office for Mac 98 or later | Yes, Word for Windows and LibreOffice; can also create works cited list in Google Docs |