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https://github.com/retorquere/zotero-better-bibtex

Make Zotero effective for us LaTeX holdouts
https://github.com/retorquere/zotero-better-bibtex

bib biblatex bibtex citation-keys latex zotero

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Make Zotero effective for us LaTeX holdouts

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README 

        
# Better BibTeX for Zotero



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Better BibTeX (BBT) is an extension for [Zotero](https://www.zotero.org) and [Juris-M](https://juris-m.github.io) that makes it easier to manage bibliographic data, especially for people authoring documents using text-based toolchains (e.g. based on [LaTeX](https://www.latex-project.org) / [Markdown](https://www.markdownguide.org)).



## Zotero 7 support



Better BibTeX is mostly compatible with the Zotero 7 beta; I am awaiting a change by the Zotero team to get to complete support. You can find the status of Zotero 7 support in the first post of [#2522](https://github.com/retorquere/zotero-better-bibtex/issues/2522); if you find new problems (which are not still marked as unresolved in that top post), please report them as *new* issues, not by commenting on #2522.



## Juris-M support



Juris-M is unfortunately not compatible with BBT at the moment. To my understanding, work is underway to get a Zotero-7-based Juris-M, and then BBT will work in Juris-M.



## Features



### Facilities for generating citation keys



* Automatically generate [citation keys](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/citing/) without key clashes! Generate citation keys that take into account existing keys in your library even when they are not part of the items you export. Prevent random breakage!

* Generate citation keys based on contents of your items using [citekey formulas](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/citing/#configurable-citekey-generator).

* Set your own, stable citation keys, drag and drop LaTeX citations, add other custom BibLaTeX fields.



### Conversion between formats and encodings

* Zotero does all its work in UTF-8 Unicode, which is absolutely the right thing to do. Unfortunately, for those shackled

to BibTeX and who cannot (yet) move to BibLaTeX, unicode is a major PITA. Also, Zotero supports some simple HTML markup

in your items that Bib(La)TeX won't understand.



* BBT will convert from/to HTML/LaTeX:



  - `...`⇔`\emph{...}`/`\mkbibemph{...}`/`\textit{...}`

  - `...`⇔`\textbf{...}`

  - `...`⇔`\textsuperscript{...}` and `...`⇔`\textsubscript{...}`. 

  

  More can be added on request.

  

  BBT contains a comprehensive list of LaTeX constructs, so stuff like `\"{o}` or `\"o` will be converted to their unicode equivalents on import (e.g., `\"{o}` to `ö`), and their unicode equivalents back to `\"{o}` if you have that option enabled (but you don't have to if you use BibLaTeX, which has fairly good Unicode support).

  

  If you need literal LaTeX in your export: surround it with ``...`` (or `
`...`
`, which do the same) markers.

  

### Facilities for exporting data from Zotero

* Highly [customized exports](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/exporting/).

* Fixes date field exports: export dates like 'forthcoming' as 'forthcoming' instead of empty, but normalize valid dates

  to unambiguous international format.

* [Auto export](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/exporting/auto/) of collections or entire libraries when they change.

* [Pull export](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/exporting/pull/) from the embedded webserver.

* Automatic [journal abbreviation](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/citing/).



## Getting started

To get started, read the [installation instructions](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/installation/).



## How does it work ?

At its core, BBT behaves like any Zotero import/export module; anywhere you can export or import bibliography items in Zotero,

you'll find *Better X* listed among the choices.  



If nothing else, you could keep your existing workflow as-is, and just enjoy the improved LaTeX ↔ unicode translation on import and export and more accurate field mapping.



Better BibTeX works from [BibTeXing](http://ctan.cs.uu.nl/biblio/bibtex/base/btxdoc.pdf) and [Tame the

BeaST](http://www.lsv.ens-cachan.fr/~markey/BibTeX/doc/ttb_en.pdf) for BibTeX, and

[The Biblatex Package](http://mirrors.ctan.org/macros/latex/contrib/biblatex/doc/biblatex.pdf) for BibLaTeX, but

since there isn't really a definitive manual for either format that is universally followed by Bib(La)TeX

editors/processors, I'm pragmatic about implementing what works.



## Got problems? We got fixes!



If you have any questions on BBT's use, do not hesitate to [file a GitHub issue](https://github.com/retorquere/zotero-better-bibtex/issues/new/choose) and ask for help. 



If you're reporting a bug in BBT, please take a moment to glance through the [support request guidelines](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/support/); it will make sure I get your problem fixed as quick as possible.

Clear bug reports commonly have really short time-to-fix, so if you report something, stick around -- it may be done as you wait.



The support request guidelines are very detailed, perhaps to the point of being off-putting, but please do not fret; these guidelines simply express my ideal bug submission.

I of course prefer very clearly documented issue reports over fuzzy ones, but I prefer fuzzy ones over missed ones.



## Sponsoring BBT



While the development needs of BBT are to a large extent covered

by the generosity towards open-source developers of services such

as github, my development system does require the

occasional upgrade; also, I enjoy getting the occasional frivolous

tech-toy that I wouldn't otherwise grant myself. While you should

feel in no way obligated to pay for BBT, [anything you can spare](https://www.paypal.me/retorquere) is very much appreciated.

If you'd rather contribute a little bit each month (and a little

means a lot) so I can save up for a replacement a year or so down

the line, head on over to [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/retorquere),

but mind that Patreon takes a fairly large cut of what you give.



Many, many thanks, also to the existing contributors -- thanks to you I've hit my first target and have been able to replace my trusty macbook air with a newer macbook pro which has much more breathing room.



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