skip to content
 
 
 
You are here:

Exporting References into Your Paper

You can use RefWorks to easily insert your references into your Microsoft Word document and generate a bibliography. The first method uses a software plugin, called Write-N-Cite, which PC users can download. It is also possible to export citations without Write-N-Cite.

Write-N-Cite

Downloading Write-N-Cite

You must download and install the Write-N-Cite plugin before using it in your Word document.

  1. Log into RefWorks from the computer on which you’ll be working on your Word document.
  2. Select Tools and then Write-N-Cite. When prompted, select "Open" (not Save), and follow the directions. When the installation is complete, you must restart your computer so that the Write-N-Cite button will appear in Word.

Importing References Using Write-N-Cite

  1. When you are ready to insert a citation in your document, place your cursor where you want the citation to go. Click the Write-N-Cite button. This will initiate a RefWorks session.
  2. Search or browse to find the correct reference. Click Cite to the left of the reference.
  3. In your document, you will see a placeholder consisting of the RefWorks record number, author, and year of publication: {{21 Jones 2000; }}. To insert more than one citation in the same location, place the cursor after the semicolon and repeat the process.
  4. Keep your RefWorks Write-N-Cite page open, and you can easily write your paper and insert references as you go.
  5. Save a final copy of your paper when you are finished entering all of your references.

Format a Bibliography Using Write-N-Cite

  1. Enter all desired references and save a final copy of your paper.
  2. Make sure Write-N-Cite is open.
  3. Select Bibliography from within Write-N-Cite.
  4. After you select your desired Output Style from the dropdown box, click Create Bibliography.
  5. RefWorks creates a copy of your document with a Works Cited page and names it "Final--[old document name]." Save this new file or rename and save.
  6. To make changes to your document, change the first saved document and regenerate the bibliography in Write-N-Cite.

Exporting Without Write-N-Cite

Inserting Citations Without Write-N-Cite

  1. Open the Word document and point the cursor at the place where you will insert a citation.
  2. Identify the Ref. ID number for the desired citation in RefWorks. Each citation has a unique Ref. ID. Put the Ref. ID in double brackets: i.e. {{21}} where 21 is the Ref. ID for the appropriate citation.  To insert more than one reference in the same place, separate them with a semicolon inside the double brackets.
  3. Save a final copy of your paper when you are finished entering all of your references.

Formatting a Bibliography Without Write-N-Cite

  1. Open RefWorks. Select Bibliography from the toolbar.
  2. After you select your desired Output Style from the dropdown box, click Format Paper and Bibliography.
  3. Browse to your saved document.
  4. Click Create Bibliography.
  5. RefWorks creates a copy of your document with a Works Cited page and names it "Final--[old document name]." Save this new file or rename and save.
  6. To make changes to your document, change the first saved document and regenerate the bibliography in RefWorks.