PDF to BibTeX Converter
Upload a PDF, extract and verify its references, then save verified matches to your CiteMe library and export them as BibTeX.
How it works
Upload your PDF
Select or drag-and-drop any academic paper. The PDF file stays in your browser.
Extract & verify references
CiteMe finds the bibliography section and verifies each reference against CrossRef, OpenAlex, and Semantic Scholar.
Save to your library and export
Sign in to save verified matches to your CiteMe library, then export them as a .bib file for Zotero, Mendeley, or Overleaf.
Why use CiteMe for PDF to BibTeX?
PDF Stays in Your Browser
The PDF file is processed locally. CiteMe only sends extracted reference text for verification.
Database-Verified
Each reference checked against CrossRef, OpenAlex, and Semantic Scholar for accurate metadata.
Library to BibTeX Workflow
Save verified references to your library, then export BibTeX for Overleaf, Zotero, Mendeley, JabRef, and EndNote.
Any Citation Style Input
Works with APA, MLA, Chicago, Vancouver, ABNT — any bibliography format in your PDF.
Works with your tools
Overleaf
Import .bib file directly into your LaTeX project
Zotero
File > Import > select your .bib file
Mendeley
File > Import > BibTeX (.bib)
JabRef
Open .bib file directly — native format
EndNote
Import via File > Import > BibTeX filter
VS Code + LaTeX Workshop
Place .bib in project folder, reference in \bibliography{}
How access works
Start free in Reference Checker, then sign in if you want to save verified references and export BibTeX from your library.
1. Verify free
Upload a PDF and review the verification report in Reference Checker.
2. Sign in to save
Save verified references to your CiteMe library once you have an account.
3. Export from library
Export saved references as BibTeX from your library workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does PDF to BibTeX conversion work?
CiteMe scans your PDF for the bibliography section, extracts the references in your browser, verifies likely matches against academic databases, then lets you save verified references to your CiteMe library for BibTeX export.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The PDF file stays in your browser. CiteMe sends only the extracted reference text to our API so it can verify matches against academic databases.
Can I import the BibTeX into Zotero, Mendeley, or Overleaf?
Yes. After saving verified references to your CiteMe library, you can export BibTeX and import the resulting .bib file into tools like Zotero, Mendeley, JabRef, EndNote, and Overleaf.
What can I do for free?
You can start the PDF verification flow for free in Reference Checker. To save verified references and export BibTeX from your library, you need a CiteMe account.
What if a reference is not found in databases?
References that cannot be matched are flagged for manual review. Today, BibTeX export is based on the verified references you save to your library.
Start your PDF to BibTeX workflow
Verify references for free, then save verified matches to your library and export BibTeX from there.