Choosing a Citation Manager
Choosing between EndNote, Mendeley, Zotero and NoodleTools to manage your citations.
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Ismaeil Hakimi
Contact:
Information & Research Specialist, Middle East Collection Liaison
Marriott Library, University of Utah
295 S 1500 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Marriott Library, University of Utah
295 S 1500 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-581-5137
Download the comparison chart
- Citation Manager Comparison ChartDownload the chart comparing Endnote, Mendeley, Zotero and NoodleTools contained in this guide.
| EndNote | Mendeley | Zotero | NoodleTools | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost |
Free (web version) Desktop version: |
Free | Free | Free for U of U students, $15 per year for public. |
| Location | Web & Computer | Web & computer | Computer | Web |
| Operating systems | Mac & PC | Mac, PC & Linux | Mac, PC & Linux | Mac, PC & Linux |
| Mobile app | iOS | iOS & Android | iOS & Android (both only available via 3rd party) | iOS & Android |
| Word processors | Microsoft Word & Open Office, LaTex, Google Docs | Microsoft Word, Open Office & Libre Office, LaTex | Microsoft Word, Open Office, Libre Office & Google Docs, LaTex | Google Docs, LaTeX |
| Cite while you write feature | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No | Yes | No |
| Automatic citation extraction | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Creates bibliography with different styles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (only three) |
| Number of citation styles | 100 most common downloaded, 4000+ available | 1180+ | 16+ pre-loaded, "thousands" available for download | MLA, APA, Chicago |
| Number of import filters | 700+ | About 50 + COinS + integrates with Zotero's "translators" | 247 "translators;" other sources captured as webpage | Can only import books (via title, author or ISBN) |
| Full text search across PDF | Yes, but spotty | Yes | Yes (not enabled by default) | No |
| Can annotate PDFs | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Organize PDFs and other documents | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Able to share in private groups | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Able to share in public groups | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Community platform | No | Yes (strongest) | Yes | No |
| Free storage |
Web version: 50,000 citations & 5GB limit Desktop version: Unlimited local storage |
Unlimited local storage & data syncing; 1GB personal & 100MB shared online space | Unlimited local storage & data syncing; 100MB free Zotero file syncing | N/A |
| Tagging | Yes (keywords) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Selective syncing of documents between web and desktop app | No | Yes | Yes | No desktop app |
| Accessibility | ADA compliant | Not accessible to screen readers | N/A | N/A |
