The import filter list shows the import filter definitions available in Reference Manager. As you import a text file, you choose which import filter to use.

Before importing references, make sure the files are in a format that the import filter can read. In order for the import filter to read a text file, it must be in a delimited format. A delimiter is a character, like a hard return, that is inserted between fields. Each part of each reference needs to be preceded by a delimiter. A tagged format has a label at the beginning of each field.

For example, in MEDLARS format each author is on a separate line that begins with " AU - " (without the quotation marks). The first line of each title begins with " TI - ". Each data service uses a unique tagged format for its files. The Import module contains a specific translator for each service. The translator ensures that the text files can then be read by the Import program.

If you need to import a text file that does not come from one of the supported data services you either need to design a new import filter using the Import Filter Editor or you must make sure the references are in a format supported by the Import module such as RIS format.

The RIS format is a tagged format, similar to MEDLARS. It was developed by Research Information Systems for importing files that contain any or all of the reference types allowed in a Reference Manager database.

You can use your word processor and edit the file to convert it into RIS format, or write a macro to help you do this. Many word processors have macro capabilities that allow you to easily make global changes to a file. Once the references in the text file are in RIS format, you can import the file into Reference Manager.

See the manual for specifications of the RIS Format or click here.