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Create RIS Files to Import Into the My References List You can import references into your My References list by uploading RIS files exported from a number
of bibliographic managers (EndNote, Mendeley, RefWorks, or Zotero) or search platforms (APA PsycNET,
EBSCOhost, Ovid, or ProQuest).
This handout provides information about how to export RIS files from these services. Where multiple
versions of a service exit, the version being used in the examples is noted.
Note: You can search references in your My References list by the file name used when
importing. As such, create files with names that will help you easily find files when you search
them.
APA PsycNET From the search results set, check the references you want to export, then click on Export.
In the following pop-up menu, select Reference software in Export to and click on Go.
APA PsycNET downloads the file with an .RIS extension.
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EBSCOhost Save the references you want to export into a folder in EBSCOhost. From the Folder menu, select the
items to export, then click on Export.
Choose Direct Export in RIS Format (e.g. CITAVI, EasyBib, EndNote, ProCite, Reference Manager,
Zotero) then click on Save.
EBSCOhost downloads the file with an .RIS extension.
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EndNote X8 To add RIS format as an option for your export, click on Edit, then Output Styles, and Open Style
Manager.
On the next screen, mark the box next to RefMan (RIS) Export and close out of the screen.
On the library screen, highlight the items you wish to export.
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Click on File, then click on Export.
Choose where you want to save the file and assign a file name. In the Save as type option, select Text
File (*.txt), for Output style select RefMan (RIS) Export, and click on Save.
The file saves with a .TXT extension.
Note: You may rename the file with an .RIS extension, however APA Style CENTRAL will be able
to load the file with either a .TXT or .RIS extension.
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Mendeley Highlight the items you wish to export.
Click on File, then click on Export.
Choose where you want to save the file and assign a file name. In Save as type, select RIS – Research
Information Systems (*.ris), then click on Save.
The file saves with an .RIS extension.
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Ovid Select the items to export, then click on Export.
The Export Citation List menu will open. In Export To select RIS, then click on Export Citation(s).
Note: Once you select RIS in the Export To option, the Selection Citation Style field disappears.
The file downloads with an .RIS extension.
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ProQuest Select the items to export, then click on Save.
Click on RIS (works with EndNote, Citavi, etc.).
Click on Continue in the Export/Save menu (there is no need to change the Output to, Content, or Sort
Order settings).
The file downloads with an .RIS extension.
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RefWorks (Legacy) From the main RefWorks menu, in your list of folders, right-click the folder you wish to export.
Choose Export then Bibliographic Software (EndNote, Reference Manager, ProCite).
The file downloads with a .TXT extension.
Note: You may re-name the file with an .RIS extension, however APA Style CENTRAL will be able
to load the file with either a .TXT or .RIS extension.
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Zotero Highlight the items you wish to export.
Click on File, then click on Export Library.
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For Format, choose RIS, then click on OK.
Choose where you want to save the file, assign a file name, then click on Save.
The file saves with an .RIS extension.
Additional Information and Help
For additional information or assistance with APA Style CENTRAL, contact [email protected] or call us at (202) 336-5650 or (800) 374-2722. TDD/TTY: (202) 336-6123. Have a specific question about APA Style®? Write to [email protected].