Compare software

BibDesk vs JabRef: catalog facts
BibDesk	JabRef
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source, funded by donations.
macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension
Links references to their PDFs and web pages One-click import from Google Scholar, arXiv and PubMed	Stores libraries in plain text BibTeX/BibLaTeX files Fits naturally into LaTeX writing
macOS only Built around BibTeX, less suited to Word-based workflows	Centred on BibTeX, which is less familiar outside LaTeX users Maintained by volunteers in their spare time
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Browser extension
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.