Does my JabRef 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 JabRef to CSL JSON?

JabRef is commonly exported by one group of tools; CSL JSON 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›JabRef → CSL JSON

Convert JabRef to CSL JSON

Quick answer

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

Input · JabRef

Output · CSL JSON

Your CSL JSON output will appear here.

What is JabRef?

BibTeX with JabRef-specific extensions (groups, owner tags).

@article{smith2020, author={Smith, J.}, …, groups={published}}

What is CSL JSON?

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

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

Why convert from JabRef to CSL JSON?

Different reference managers and academic workflows expect different formats. JabRef is commonly produced by some tools, while CSL JSON 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 CSL JSON back to JabRef instead.

CSL JSON → JabRef

Last updated: 5 May 2026