RefWorks
RefWorks is a cloud-based reference management service for collecting, organizing, collaborating on, and publishing research.
What RefWorks is
RefWorks is a cloud-based reference management service for collecting, organizing, collaborating on, and publishing research. Users can import and save references from sources such as PubMed and the Library of Congress, organize files including PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and HTML, and use deduplication tools to maintain a reference library. Its citation tools generate bibliographies and citations in more than 6,000 styles, with an editor for citation styles. The RefWorks Citation Manager add-in connects the service to Google Docs and Microsoft Word. Researchers can privately share full-text documents and work together on group projects in real time. RefWorks also integrates with research databases and library services such as Web of Science, ProQuest Central, and Summon. The browser-based interface is designed for consistent use across platforms, and the product page offers a trial request without specifying its duration. New users can check institutional subscription access using an institutional email. Pricing is available on request.
Good
- Supports more than 6,000 citation styles
- Connects to Google Docs and Microsoft Word
- Includes reference deduplication tools
- Enables private sharing and real-time group work
Watch out
- Not designed for mobile devices
- Available only at subscribing institutions
- Pricing is available on request
Who it suits
RefWorks suits researchers who need to manage references and research files, create citations, or collaborate on projects. Institutional administrators can also manage accounts, citation styles, usage, and collaboration rights.
Verdict
RefWorks brings reference organization, citation creation, and research collaboration into a browser-based service. Check institutional access and request pricing details before choosing it.
Plans and prices
From RefWorks's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional subscription | Priced on request | Typically purchased by an institution or library and provided for its students · Contact sales for pricing |
The facts
Each one read from RefWorks's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Administration
- Institutional administrators can manage user accounts through a secure admin dashboard, distribute institutional citation styles, and access analytics and reporting tools.checked 7 Oct 2026
- API
- RefWorks API documentation is available, and the documentation page identifies itself as EndNote Fusion API Documentation.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Citation styles
- RefWorks can generate bibliographies and citations from more than 6,000 citation styles and includes a citation style editor.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Cloud access
- RefWorks is browser-based and provides a consistent interface and features across platforms.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Collaboration
- Users can share projects and collaborate with administrative controls and permissions.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Data formats
- RefWorks supports organizing data in formats including PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and HTML.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Deduplication
- RefWorks includes deduplication tools to help maintain the integrity and accuracy of a reference library.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Eligibility
- The signup page says RefWorks is available at institutions subscribed to the service.checked 7 Oct 2026
- File formats
- RefWorks can organize PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and HTML files in one central workplace.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Institutional access
- New users enter an institutional email to check whether their institution has a RefWorks subscription.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The product page says its interface is available in nine languages.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Mobile limitation
- The RefWorks interface was designed for comfortable tablet viewing and was not designed for mobile devices.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The RefWorks sign-in notice says the institution is the data controller and ProQuest processes personal data under a contract with the institution to provide the service.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RefWorks is a cloud-based reference management service that supports institutions and researchers with research and writing workflows.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Reference collection
- Users can find, collect, import, and save references from sources including PubMed and the Library of Congress.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Research integrations
- RefWorks integrates with databases and library solutions including Web of Science, ProQuest Central, and Summon.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security certifications
- Clarivate lists RefWorks certifications including ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 27032, ISO 27701, ISO 22301, and TX-RAMP Level 1.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Clarivate lists 24/7 product training and support for RefWorks.checked 7 Oct 2026
- What it does
- RefWorks is a cloud-based reference management service for collecting, organizing, collaborating on, and publishing research.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Writing integrations
- RefWorks supports Google Docs and Microsoft Word through its RefWorks Citation Manager add-in.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Writing tools
- RefWorks supports Google Docs and Microsoft Word through the RefWorks Citation Manager add-in.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial
- The RefWorks product page offers a Request a Trial option without stating a trial duration.checked 7 Oct 2026
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