Below are a list of key features to compare EndNote, EndNote Web, Mendeley, and Zotero, compiled by Karen Heskett (from her guide).
Does This Program Meet My Needs? | ||||
I want to … |
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Capture info from web pages. |
Yes, but not well |
Yes, but not well |
Sort of: you can grab the URL and then take a screenshot and attach it. |
Yes, can save a snapshot. |
Import information from databases. |
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Search a database or catalog from the program. |
(limited databases) |
(limited databases) |
(Mendeley's "catalog" only) |
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Manage a collection of PDFs. |
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Work with my collection without needing the Internet. |
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Work from multiple computers. |
(synch with EndNote Web) |
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(set up auto synch) |
(set up auto synch) |
Work on a tablet, app, or mobile site. |
(app now free) |
(app now free) |
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(free app) |
Share my collection with others and have them add to it. |
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Not spend any money on this tool. |
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(cost for
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(2TB free storage)
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(cost for more storage) |
Online Learning Videos & Tutorials |
EndNote Training Channel | Mendeley Guides from Elsevier | Zotero Tutorials |
A Side By Side Comparison of The Basics
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Feature: |
EndNote |
EndNote Web |
Mendeley |
Zotero |
Web-based version
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Yes when synched with EndNote Web |
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Desktop version |
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Cost |
$80 |
Free |
Free + (cost for additional space $) |
Free + (cost for additional space $) |
Word processors
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MS Word, Google Docs* |
MS Word, Google Docs* |
MS Word, |
MS Word, Google Docs |
Import citations from databases |
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Import information from web pages |
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Create records from PDFs (files or folders) |
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Online storage limits |
N/A |
2 GB or 5GB (free or purchased version) |
2 GB free (cost for more storage) |
300 MB $ for more |
* The Cite While You Write Tools are not available in Google Docs - use copy & paste and then format the document.
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A Side By Side Comparison of PDF Management Capabilities |
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Feature: |
EndNote |
EndNote Web |
Mendeley |
Zotero |
Create records from PDFs (files or folders)
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Attach files (PDFs, Docs) to record
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Automatically find & attach PDFs
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but UC-eLinks is available |
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Annotate & highlight PDFs
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Not part of the program, but could be connected to an annotation tool. |
Search thru attached PDFs (full-text)
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A Side By Side Comparison of Your Library's Organization, Management, & Collaboration Capabilities |
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Feature: |
EndNote |
EndNote Web |
Mendeley |
Zotero |
Organize records into Groups or Folders |
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Other organization tools |
Smart groups, subgroups |
Shared folders are in a separate space |
Watch folder (PDFs), tags, favorites |
Tags, Smart search, iTunes-like look |
Share library with collaborators |
Shared library with full access plus share via compressed library file. |
Yes, & can set read & write privileges |
Yes, set up group, public or private, members have read & right privileges |
Yes, set up group, public or private, members have read & right privileges |
Customize display
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Modify or create new citation styles
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Yes, moderately easy |
Yes, but only with librarian moderation |
Yes, but difficult |
Yes, but not easy |
Social media & discovery tools |
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