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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add references to my library?

Section titled “How do I add references to my library?”

Three ways:

  • Auto-cite - paste a DOI, PubMed ID, ISBN, or URL and let the plugin fetch the details.
  • Manual entry - fill in the fields on the reference edit screen.
  • Import - upload a BibTeX, RIS, or CSL-JSON file under References > Import/Export.

See Adding references.

How do I cite references in a post?

Section titled “How do I cite references in a post?”

In the block editor, add a Citation block where the citation goes and a Bibliography block at the end of the post. In the Classic Editor or a page builder, use shortcodes:

[abt_citation ids="123,456" locator="p. 42"]
[abt_bibliography title="References"]

Can I change the citation style?

Section titled “Can I change the citation style?”

Yes. Go to References > Settings > Citation Style and pick from 10,000+ styles, or upload your own CSL file. See Citation Styles.

Does auto-cite work for older papers?

Section titled “Does auto-cite work for older papers?”

It works best with works that have a DOI. Older papers may only have a PubMed ID or ISBN - try those. If nothing matches, enter the reference by hand.

How do I import references from Zotero or Mendeley?

Section titled “How do I import references from Zotero or Mendeley?”

Export your library from Zotero or Mendeley as BibTeX or RIS, then upload the file under References > Import/Export. (There is also a REST-only integration for Zotero and Mendeley for developers - see the REST API.)

Which file formats can I import and export?

Section titled “Which file formats can I import and export?”

BibTeX, RIS, and CSL-JSON, in both directions. CSV and EndNote XML are not supported directly - export those tools’ libraries as RIS or BibTeX first. See Supported formats.

Are my personal notes visible to others?

Section titled “Are my personal notes visible to others?”

No. Notes and reading status are stored per user and are private to their author. A reference can be public, but its notes are never shown to anyone else.

Can I use this for collaborative projects?

Section titled “Can I use this for collaborative projects?”

Yes. Use Collections and make them public or share them with specific people. Front-end submission with moderation lets a team contribute references that an editor approves.

Which post types can have citations?

Section titled “Which post types can have citations?”

Whichever you enable under References > Settings > General (Posts and Pages by default). Developers can extend this with the abt_supported_post_types filter.

How do I get plugin updates?

Section titled “How do I get plugin updates?”

Enter and activate your license key under References > Settings > License.