> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpcenter.paperguide.ai/llms.txt).
> Use it to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import from Zotero & Mendeley

Import your Zotero and Mendeley libraries via BibTeX or RIS files.


## What is bulk import?

If you already use Zotero or Mendeley, you can import your entire library into Paperguide using BibTeX or RIS export files. This brings across your paper metadata — titles, authors, years, journals, DOIs, abstracts, and tags — so you do not need to re-add each reference manually.

The import process works the same way for both tools: export your library from Zotero or Mendeley as a BibTeX or RIS file, then upload that file to Paperguide.

<Callout kind="info">

Bulk import moves reference metadata, not attached files. If you rely on local PDFs in Zotero or Mendeley, plan to add those separately after the import.

</Callout>

## Exporting from Zotero

Export the specific library or collection you want to bring over so you can keep the import focused and easier to review.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Zotero" icon="folder" title-type="p">

Open Zotero and select the library or collection you want to export.

  </Step>
  <Step title="Export library" icon="download" title-type="p">

Go to File → Export Library. Choose `BibTeX` or `RIS` as the export format.

  </Step>
  <Step title="Save the file" icon="download" title-type="p">

Save the exported file to your device. Zotero creates a single file containing all references in the selected collection.

  </Step>
</Steps>

## Exporting from Mendeley

Export the references you want first, then upload the resulting file into Paperguide.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Mendeley" icon="folder" title-type="p">

Open Mendeley and select the references you want to export.

  </Step>
  <Step title="Export" icon="download" title-type="p">

Go to File → Export. Choose `BibTeX` or `RIS` as the export format.

  </Step>
  <Step title="Save the file" icon="download" title-type="p">

Save the exported file to your device.

  </Step>
</Steps>

## Importing to Paperguide

Once you have the export file, upload it from Reference Manager.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Reference Manager" icon="book-open" title-type="p">

Navigate to Reference Manager in your workspace.

  </Step>
  <Step title="Click Import" icon="upload" title-type="p">

Click the Import button and choose `BibTeX` or `RIS`, depending on the file you exported.

  </Step>
  <Step title="Upload the file" icon="upload" title-type="p">

Upload the `.bib` or `.ris` file from your device. Paperguide starts processing it in the background.

A successful upload starts the import immediately and shows a progress indicator in the interface.

  </Step>
  <Step title="Wait for processing" icon="info" title-type="p">

Large imports are processed in the background. You can continue working while the import runs.

When processing finishes, your imported references appear in Reference Manager.

  </Step>
</Steps>

## Background processing

Large library imports may take a few minutes to complete. Paperguide processes the file in the background so you can continue using other features while the import runs. A progress indicator shows how many references have been imported so far.

If you imported a large library, give the process a little time before checking for missing entries. The reference list updates as processing completes.

## What gets imported

The import brings across the following metadata from each reference:

- **Title, authors, year, journal, DOI, abstract** — the core bibliographic data
- **Tags** — tags from Zotero are preserved and applied to the imported references
- **Notes** — notes included in the export file are imported where available

<Callout kind="alert">

PDFs are not imported from BibTeX or RIS files — these formats only carry metadata, not file attachments. To retrieve PDFs for your imported references, use the [Chrome Extension](/reference-manager/get-pdfs-with-extension) or upload PDFs manually.

</Callout>

## Next steps

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Add References" href="/reference-manager/add-references" icon="plus" horizontal="false" />
  <Card title="Get PDFs with Extension" href="/reference-manager/get-pdfs-with-extension" icon="download" horizontal="false" />
</Columns>