JabRef Custom Importers

How to create, build and use a custom importer for JabRef.

Creating your custom importer

1. Create a class similar to SimpleCsvImporter.java that implements the abstract class net.sf.jabref.importer.fileformat.ImportFormat.

Notes

• As you can reuse any class from JabRef be aware that changing the JabRef version the custom importer may break.
• Have a look at the documentation of net.sf.jabref.importer.fileformat.ImportFormat as it explains how to implement the methods.

Building your custom importer

1. Copy jabref.jar into the lib folder.
2. Run gradlew build
3. The importer is now available as a jar in build/libs.

Using your custom importer

1. Start JabRef with the exact same version as your previously copied jabref.jar.
2. Setup your custom importer through Options --> Manage custom imports by loading it from the jar and selecting your class that implements ImportFormat.
3. Import the file using File --> Import into new database or File --> Import into current database.