LibGuides: RefWorks: Adding references from databases and search engines

How to use this page

Select the database or search engine you need for step-by-step guidance on adding references to RefWorks.

If the database or search engine you need isn't on this page, use the database's help pages for more information of contact us.

Some databases and search engines have a limit on how many items you can send to RefWorks at one time - check their help pages for details.

In the results page, tick the reference(s) you would like to save.
Scroll to the top of the results. Select Export selected citation(s) and choose RIS (Reference Manager) from the list.
Select Download. This downloads an .ris file to your computer.
Open RefWorks, select Add, then choose Import references. Select the .ris file you just downloaded.
In the Import drop-down that appears, select RIS Format. Press Import.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import again.

In the search results page, tick the reference(s) you would like to save.
Scroll to the top of the results and press the downward arrow icon to the right of the PC icon:
A pop-up box appears. In the Format section, select EndNote (RIS, Ref Manager).
Press Download Record(s). This downloads an .ris file to your device.
Open RefWorks, select Add, then choose Import references. Select the .ris file you just downloaded.
In the Import drop-down that appears, select RIS Format. Press Import.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import again

In the Discover results page, tick the reference(s) you would like to save.
Scroll up and click the three dots on the right-hand side above the results.
Select RefWorks, choose whether to add your items to a folder, then press Import.

In the search results page, click the blue folder icon next to each item you would like to save.
To select all the references on a page, scroll to the first result, press Share and press the Results button with a folder icon next to it.
Scroll to the top of the page and select the Folder icon in the top menu.
In the My Folder section, select Articles. Tick the item(s) you would like to send. Press Export on the right-hand side.
By default, RefWorks is selected as the reference management option. Click Save.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import again.

In the search results page, tick the reference(s) you would like to save.
At the top of the results, select Citations: Download RIS. This downloads an .ris file to your device.
Open RefWorks, select Add, then choose Import references. Select the .ris file you just downloaded.
In the Import drop-down that appears, select RIS format. Press Import.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import again.

To save a single reference:

Click Cite underneath the article details, then choose RefWorks.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import.

To save multiple references:

Log in to Google Scholar with a Google account.
Click the Save icon next to any references you would like to save.
Select My library in the top right-hand corner.
Select Export all and choose RefMan. This downloads an .ris file to your computer.
Open RefWorks, select Add, then choose Import references. Select the .ris file you just downloaded.
In the Import drop-down that appears, select RIS Format. Press Import.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import again.

In the search results page, tick the reference(s) you would like to save.
Scroll up to the top of the page. Select Export.
A pop-up box appears. Select the Citations tab, then choose RIS. This downloads an .ris file to your device. (Note: there is a RefWorks button but it can cause issues.)
Open RefWorks, select Add, then choose Import references. Select the .ris file you just downloaded.
In the Import drop-down that appears, select RIS Format. Press Import.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import again.

In the search results page, click the reference(s) you would like to save.
Scroll to the top of the results and click the three dots.
In the Citation Export section, select RefWorks. A pop-up box appears. If prompted, select I’m not a robot, then select Continue.
RefWorks opens automatically. Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import.

In the search results page, tick the reference(s) you would like to save.
Scroll to the top of the results. Select Send to and choose Citation manager.
A pop-up box appears. Leave the options as they are. Select Create file. This downloads an .nbib file to your device.
Open RefWorks, select Add, then choose Import references. Select the .nbib file you just downloaded.
The Import menu appears confirming that this is a file from PubMed. Select Import.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import again.

In the search results page, tick the reference(s) you would like to save.
Scroll to the top of the results and select Export. Select Save to RefWorks.
RefWorks opens automatically. Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import.

In the search results page, tick the reference(s) you would like to save.
Scroll to the top of the results. Select Export and choose Refworks (RIS) from the dropdown menu.
A pop-up box appears. Leave the options as they are. Select Export. This downloads an .ris file to your device.
Open RefWorks, select Add, then choose Import references. Select the .ris file you just downloaded.
In the Import drop-down that appears, select RIS format. Press Import.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import again.

In the search results page, tick the reference(s) you would like to save.
Scroll to the top of the results. Select Export and choose RIS (other reference software) from the dropdown menu.
A pop-up box appears. Leave the options as they are. Select Export. This downloads an .ris file to your device.
Open RefWorks, select Add, then choose Import references. Select the .ris file you just downloaded.
In the Import drop-down that appears, select RIS Format. Press Import.
Choose whether you would like to assign the files to a specific folder. Press Import again.