Most reference management programs include downloadable desktop version, browser version and perhaps also mobile app.

• Install software on University of Helsinki computers from Software Center (instructions)
• On your own computer you can download software from their web site. Programs offered by the university (e.g. Endnote 20) can be downloaded from Download Centre (instructions)
• Things to consider: Selecting a reference management tool (The Open University)
• Zotero versus Mendeley: which one is best? (Laurier Library 2021) – video in YouTube (4:16 min)
• Adding citations in a Word document without any separate reference management program (Microsoft support pages)

Reference Management Software – a short introduction on Information Seeking and Management for Thesis Writers MOOC course site (Helsinki University Library)

Short instructions:

Create an RIS file of your references in RefWorks Share – Export. Save the file on your computer. Import RIS file into your other reference management software. Export one folder at a time to keep your old folder structure. Attachments like fulltexts are not exported, download those you want to keep on your computer.

About exporting your references from RefWorks see e.g. University of Alberta guide https://guides.library.ualberta.ca/reference-management-software/home (note! Legacy RefWorks: change file type .txt ->.ris – easier to find it when importing).

Simple way:

Install reference management software like e.g. Zotero or Mendeley from their pages (your own computer) or Software Center (university computer) and create account, if needed.

Open both RefWorks and Zotero (or Mendeley) accounts.
1. RefWorks: choose a folder, Share – Export references – RIS Format and Export  
2. Next Opening export.ris window: Open with Zotero
3. Small Import File window appeared in Zotero: Import into new collection, if you want to create a new collection (and rename it afterwards) or take the tick away, if you have already created and opened an empty collection for these references

Export one folder at a time to keep your old folder structure. Attachments like fulltexts are not exported, download those you want to keep on your computer.

RefWorks to Mendeley Desktop (Turku University Library 2021) – YouTube video (4:30 min)

RefWorks to Zotero (Turku University Library 2021) – YouTube video (3:40 min)

EndNote 20 reference management tool helps you save time, stay organized, collaborate with colleagues, and ultimately, get published. It has been purchased for the use of staff and students on the university's computers. Both staff and students may also use EndNote on their computers at home.

Instructions on installing EndNote and other applications on a university computer are on Software Center help page. The installation media for your home computer can be found in the Download Center.

EndNote Feature Comparison Chart
EndNote Training & Support

EndNote basic is a freely available online reference manager. It reduces the time you spend searching, updating, and cleaning your research and formatting documents. EndNote basic users can create an online library with up to 50,000 references and up to 2GB of attachments.
There are two versions of EndNote basic.

• The free version of EndNote basic has 21 styles and a limited number of filters and connection files. This version is available to anybody, with no other purchase required. Registration is required.
• The version of EndNote basic available as part of the Web of Science has thousands of styles and hundreds of filters and connection files. This version is accessible by those whose institution has a subscription to the Web of Science. Registration through Web of Science subscribed by the University of Helsinki.

EndNote Feature Comparison Chart
EndNote Online Training & Support