Does my CSL JSON file leave my computer?

No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser using the citation-js library. Nothing is uploaded to DEEPNOTIS or any other server.

Why should I convert from CSL JSON to MODS?

CSL JSON is commonly exported by one group of tools; MODS by another. Converting lets you move your references between reference managers, LaTeX workflows, and institutional repositories without re-entering anything.

Do I lose any metadata in the conversion?

The converter maps every field that has a direct equivalent in the target format. Format-specific extensions (e.g. JabRef groups, Zotero tags) that don't exist in the target format are dropped — and the converter flags which ones so you can decide what to do.

Converters›CSL JSON → MODS

Convert CSL JSON to MODS

Quick answer

Paste your CSL JSON content below. The tool parses it via the CSL engine and hands you back a valid MODS file. No upload, no signup.

Input · CSL JSON

Output · MODS

Your MODS output will appear here.

What is CSL JSON?

The Citation Style Language JSON format. The modern interchange standard.

[{"id":"smith2020","type":"article-journal","title":"Example","author":[{"family":"Smith"}]}]

What is MODS?

Metadata Object Description Schema, from the Library of Congress. XML-based.

<mods>…</mods>

Why convert from CSL JSON to MODS?

Different reference managers and academic workflows expect different formats. CSL JSON is commonly produced by some tools, while MODS is what others ingest. Converting lets you bring your existing references into a new tool without re-entering them by hand.

Move your library between Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote, JabRef, Citavi, and Paperpile.
Bring web-clipped references into LaTeX workflows (BibTeX is required by most LaTeX bibliography styles).
Submit references to institutional repositories that mandate a specific format.
Backup your library in a portable, future-proof format.

Need more than a one-off conversion?

DEEPNOTIS keeps your references in a unified format inside your document — export to any format, any time, without round-tripping through separate tools.

Try it free

Going the other way?

Convert MODS back to CSL JSON instead.

MODS → CSL JSON

Last updated: 5 May 2026