RefWorks

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 our adding references - introduction page for guidance, or use their help pages for more information.

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.

Cochrane Library

• 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.

Compendex

• 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

Discover

• 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.

EBSCOhost databases (CINAHL, Medline, Business Source etc.)

• 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.

Emerald

• 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.

Google Scholar

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.

IEEE

• 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.

ProQuest databases (One Academic, Health and Medical Collection etc.)

• 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.

PubMed

• 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.

ScienceDirect

• 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.

Scopus

• 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.

Web of Science

• 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.