Mendeley: Build Your Library

Import PDFs to Create a Reference in Mendeley

If you already have a collection of PDFs, then use one of the easiest methods to create a reference in Mendeley, Import PDF.  If you like this workflow, then from the Desktop version also use the Watched Folder feature to continue creating records from PDFs you save.

PDFs can be imported from either the web or the desktop versions.  The desktop version has two methods. 

Note 1:  Creating records from PDFs are vastly impacted by how well the PDF was created and if there is data that can be extracted.  Not all PDFs will result in a good record and Mendeley will alert you to check that the information was imported correctly. 

Note 2:  Already have a record in the library?  Simply drag the file to your desktop library and Mendeley will attach it to the correct record. 

Use the Web Importer Tool, Save to Mendeley Web 

The easiest way to get items into your library is via the Save to Mendeley tool.  If you are in a database, it will recognize that there is more than one citation to grab and will display a list.  If you are on a simple web page, it will give you a citation just for that one page.  If you are viewing a PDF in your browser, often, it can capture the details and attach the PDF.  A couple of reminders:

• It will save it to your web library, not the desktop
• You can specify a folder where the item(s) will go.
• Capture all (use the checkbox by All) or select the one or two or ... however many needed from the list - use the checkbox by each item.

Here is an example from PubMed:  

• After running your search, use the Save to Mendeley tool to capture the articles you want.  Optional action:  put the ones you want on the clipboard then import all of them at once.
  

• Then from the Mendeley list, select the citations you want to include in your library.  You can also specify if you want it to go to a particulary folder - in this case, one called "Practice." 
  

• Last step - click Save.  

Import from a Database

Most databases will not have a handy "import to Mendeley" tool, but they may provide a file in the generic RIS format.  Your first choice for importing should be the Save to Mendeley bookmarlet tool.  It is the most efficient way to get the information from a database into Mendeley, but the following steps may be necessary if you encounter a database that does not play nicely with that tool.

Each database will behave differently, but the general steps are:

1. Identify the citations you want to export.  
2. Go to the export tool.
3. Export the citations in RIS format.
4. Import the citations into your library.

Let's use JSTOR as an example.  It is one that has trouble with the Save to Mendeley tool, so you need to pull the information out with the databases's export tool.  

1. Use the check boxes to select the citations you want.
2. Once the citations are selected, use the Export Selected Citations tab to start the process.  Be sure to select the RIS format that is compatible for multiple citation tools and do not select one that is specific for just one tool, e.g., Refworks.  (Screenshot of this Export process is to the right.)
   
   
   
   Browsers act differently with downloaded files, so the following are the general steps.  This import option is only available with the desktop version.  The web version is unable to translate this file.
    
3. If the process does not start automatically, go to Mendeley desktop and use the File >> Import option and select RIS - Research Information Systems (*.ris)  this is that generic file type mentioned previously
   
   • Navigate to where your citations.ris  file is located - most likely the downloads folder and the file is named citations.ris and select & open it.
4. You should now have all of the citations in your library.

Note:  For anything other than a journal, the information may not have imported fully, so be sure to check that all pertinent fields are filled out.

Create a New Record by Typing in All the Details

Cannot find your item on a webpage or in database?  You may need to enter the details by hand.  New items can be added from either the desktop or web version.