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Bookends vs JabRef: catalog facts
Bookends	JabRef
Paid Commercial software sold through the developer's site.	Free Free and open source, funded by donations.
macOS, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension
Imports from many academic databases Citation tools for Word, Mellel and Nisus Writer Pro	Stores libraries in plain text BibTeX/BibLaTeX files Fits naturally into LaTeX writing
Mac and iOS only Paid, unlike Zotero	Centred on BibTeX, which is less familiar outside LaTeX users Maintained by volunteers in their spare time
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Browser extension
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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