How Do I Export Mendeley To XML?

You can export references from Mendeley to an XML format using either the newer Mendeley Reference Manager or the older Mendeley Desktop application.

For the web-based Mendeley library, an XML export is available specifically for use with Microsoft Word's built-in citation tool.

Note: Mendeley Desktop was discontinued in September 2022, but if you still use it, it offers the most direct XML export to an EndNote-compatible format. The steps for both versions are detailed below.

Exporting from Mendeley Reference Manager (current version)

The Mendeley Reference Manager app allows for a comprehensive export of your library to an EndNote XML file. This process exports all of your references and any associated files.

1. Open the Mendeley Reference Manager desktop app.
2. Go to the File menu at the top of the application window.
3. Select Export all from the dropdown options.
4. In the "Save As" window that appears, enter a file name for your export.
5. In the Save as type or File type dropdown menu, select EndNote XML.
6. Choose a location on your computer to save the file and click Save.

Mendeley will create an .xml file containing all your reference data and a companion folder with any associated PDFs.

Exporting from Mendeley Desktop (older version)

For users still on the legacy Mendeley Desktop application, the process is similar but provides more control over what you export.

1. Open Mendeley Desktop.
2. Select references:
   • To export specific references, use the Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) key to select individual items.
   • To export an entire library or folder, select all items by clicking Edit > Select All or by pressing Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac).
3. Go to the File menu at the top of the application window.
4. Click Export from the dropdown options.
5. In the "Save As" window, name your file and select EndNote XML from the Save as type dropdown menu.
6. Choose a save location and click Save.

This will also generate an .xml file with your references and an accompanying .Data folder for PDFs.

Exporting from Mendeley Web to Microsoft Word XML

The web-based Mendeley library can export references as an XML file, but this is a different format specifically designed to be imported into Microsoft Word's built-in citation manager.

1. Log in to your Mendeley Web Library in your browser.
2. Select the references you wish to export by clicking the checkboxes next to them.
3. From the options that appear at the bottom of the screen, click Export.
4. Select the Microsoft Word (*.xml) option.
5. This will download the file to your computer, which you can then import into Microsoft Word from the References tab.

Potential issues and workarounds

• Unsupported export: Some users may find that their version of Mendeley, particularly the web library, does not offer a general-purpose XML export. The EndNote XML format is the standard export format available.
• Use an intermediary format: If you need a more universal XML format, a two-step process is required:
  1. Export your library from Mendeley to an RIS file.
  2. Use a third-party conversion tool, such as the open-source ris2xml utility, to convert the RIS file to a more general XML format.
• Version-specific steps: Ensure you are following the correct instructions for your Mendeley version. Steps for the deprecated Mendeley Desktop will not work for the current Mendeley Reference Manager.