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Moving Citations from Word Processing Documents into RefWorks

Pre-existing bibliographies in word processing documents generally do not have field labels that permit importing into RefWorks. One work-around is to convert the bibliography into BibTex, then import the BibTeX file into RefWorks.
Note: This procedures works best with complete references, such as would be formatted in the APA style. Only minimal data can reliably be imported, so check your imported records.

In a word processing document

  1. Open your bibliography.
  2. Separate each reference with two carriage returns.
  3. Select and copy the citations. Do not copy any additional text.
  4. Go to MakeBib at http://www.snowelm.com/~t/doc/tips/makebib.en.html
  5. Paste your selection into the text box.
  6. Click on MAKE BIBTEX SOURCE.
  7. Copy the BibTex-encoded text that is generated

In RefWorks

  1. Place your cursor over References and click on Import.
  2. Select BibTeX in the Import Filter/Data Source: drop-down menu.
  3. Select Bibdesk (BibteX format) in the Database: drop-down menu.
  4. Select Import Data from the following Text.
  5. Paste copied information into the provided text box.
  6. Click on Import.

    7. You may now view your records and move them to the folder of your choice.

 


Please send comments or questions to askrefworks@library.wisc.edu

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