Import from Word of PDF feature allows users to upload a Word or PDF file that contain reference list or bibliography. Background process engine finds and extracts the references from list in the document.
Most PDF files are supported and can be processed successfully.
The engine has certain limitations when identifying and capturing reference lists.
- If the PDF is a scanned copy, which means it contains images rather than selectable text, the system is unable to recognize or extract the reference information.
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Teferences may be formatted in a way that affects recognition. If the reference list is displayed in multiple columns and a single reference is split between columns, the system may interpret it as two separate entries instead of one complete reference.
Reference list in multiple columns -
References embedded within the main body of the text or article will not be detected. The system only processes references from bibliographies located at the end of the document.
Reference list - Reference lists that use "_____" notation to indicate repeated author names will generate a reference entry, but the author names will not be recognized. To correct this, reference detail for authors must be edited manually or use the Find and Complete Reference feature to fill in the missing details.
- If a Word or PDF document contains only a reference list, the import processor may fail to detect or recognize the references properly. To improve detection, it is recommended to add some additional plain text, such as a few paragraphs, immediately before the “References” section.
- If the reference list appears on the same page as the main content, consider converting the PDF to a Word document, moving the reference list to a separate page in the same document, and then importing the edited file into RefWorks.
Ensure the document is in plain text and that does not include any field codes or content controls.
Ensure the references in the reference list are as complete as they can be such as Author, Year , Title, Journal, DOI, URL, Issue, Volume and Page numbers.
Some references may not be parsed, it is recommended to verify the references after import to ensure all references were imported.