How to add a reference from a website

Download the extension

You will need to download the web importer extension for browsers which are available for Chrome and Firefox which are available at: https://www.mendeley.com/guides/web-importer/

Once this is set up, you can now use it to add references that you wish to add to Mendeley.

1. Locate the reference and make sure you are in the page or section you wish to reference. 
2. Click on the  icon in your browser toolbar to launch the Mendeley Web Importer window.
3. Alternatively, press the keyboard shortcut (Windows-Shift-S on Windows, Cmd-Shift-S on Mac).  Sign in: Use your existing Mendeley (Elsevier) credentials to sign in. NB: If you haven't used Mendeley before, you'll be asked to create an account.
4. Mendeley Web Importer will display references that it can import from the web page you are viewing. It is important that you edit the reference at this stage to add or delete details to the record. If this is not done, it will mean the reference will not be correct. Available open access or subscribed full texts are indicated by a red PDF indicator.

5. Click "Add to Mendeley" and the reference will be added to your library.

Exporting to Mendeley from online resources

There are different ways of exporting references to Mendeley depending on the site or resource you are on. You should always edit the files as they are being added to your Mendeley account. If this step is missed, the references may not be accurate if the information inputted into your Mendeley library is not correct.

Exporting from online resources

Exporting references from online resources is generally the recommended way to get references into your library.

1. Exporting references creates a file (usually a RIS file) which must be imported into Mendeley, via the +Add new button or by dragging the RIS file into Mendeley. Save the file before you attempt to import it.
2. You may also see the option Add to Mendeley appearing in the pdf.

EBSCOhost databases  (Academic Search, Business Source, Cinahl, Greenfile, MathSci Net, Omnifile, SocIndex, SportsDiscus)

Exporting a single reference

Option one – Import RIS file

• From a single result select item by clicking on the title and and click on Export from the right hand side menu.
• Ensure Direct Export in RIS Format is selected, and click Save.
• Then in Mendeley Reference Manager desktop, Click on the +Add new button, and select File(s) from your computer.
• Locate the file you have just downloaded and click Open.
• Edit the entry to make sure the details are correct.

Option Two – Drag & Drop RIS file (Chrome)

 One way of adding files is to drag and drop pdf files into Mendeley

• From a single result select item by clicking on the title and and click on Export from the right hand side menu.
• Ensure Direct Export in RIS Format is selected, and click Save.
• Then open the Mendeley Reference Manager desktop, make sure you are in the Library. Drag and drop pdf files into Mendeley.
• Edit the entry to make sure the details are correct.