zotero-better-bibtex

# Better BibTeX for Zotero Better BibTeX (BBT) is an extension for [Zotero](https://www.zotero.org) and (in principle) [Juris-M](https://juris-m.github.io) that makes it easier to manage bibliographic data, especially for people authoring documents using text-based toolchains (e.g. based on [LaTeX](https://www.latex-project.org) / [Markdown](https://www.markdownguide.org)). # Notice **With the advent of Zotero 8, items have a Zotero-native citation key field. This has replaced the BBT citation key field.** **This has caused a few somewhat disruptive changes:** * **Zotero 7 is no longer supported**. BBT 8.0.25 still works on 7.0.32, but will not receive further updates. * Zotero will have moved all pinned keys out of the `extra` field into the native field * The concept of pinning keys is gone; keys are *always* pinned now. Zotero doesn't have a place I can store whether a key is pinned or not. * The Zotero-native citation keys are stored in another place than the BBT citation keys. If you have no Zotero-native citation keys yet, BBT will silently migrate them to there. If you do have Zotero-native citation keys, and a migration would overwrite them, you will be offered a window with the choice on how to migrate your citation keys from the BBT storage to the Zotero storage. * Integrations that read the BBT database directly will have to read the Zotero database instead. Upside to all of this is that keys will sync. ## Re-do migration **If key migration appears to have failed, YOUR CITATION KEYS ARE SAFE**. Make sure you are on the latest version. For the first 5 minutes after BBT start, the Help menu will have an option _Re-do BBT citation key migration_. Click that, generate a debug log from the Help menu, then open an issue on github noting the debug log ID. ## Features ### Facilities for generating citation keys * Automatically generate [citation keys](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/citing/) without key clashes! Generate citation keys that take into account existing keys in your library even when they are not part of the items you export. Prevent random breakage! * Generate citation keys based on contents of your items using [citekey formulas](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/citing/#configurable-citekey-generator). * Set your own, stable citation keys, drag and drop LaTeX citations, add other custom BibLaTeX fields. ### Conversion between formats and encodings * Zotero does all its work in UTF-8 Unicode, which is absolutely the right thing to do. Unfortunately, for those shackled to BibTeX and who cannot (yet) move to BibLaTeX, unicode is a major PITA. Also, Zotero supports some simple HTML markup in your items that Bib(La)TeX won't understand. * BBT will convert from/to HTML/LaTeX: - `...`⇔`\emph{...}`/`\mkbibemph{...}`/`\textit{...}` - `...`⇔`\textbf{...}` - `...`⇔`\textsuperscript{...}` and `...`⇔`\textsubscript{...}`. More can be added on request. BBT contains a comprehensive list of LaTeX constructs, so stuff like `\"{o}` or `\"o` will be converted to their unicode equivalents on import (e.g., `\"{o}` to `ö`), and their unicode equivalents back to `\"{o}` if you have that option enabled (but you don't have to if you use BibLaTeX, which has fairly good Unicode support). If you need literal LaTeX in your export: surround it with `` (or `

`...`

`, which do the same) markers. ### Facilities for exporting data from Zotero * Highly [customized exports](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/exporting/). * Fixes date field exports: export dates like 'forthcoming' as 'forthcoming' instead of empty, but normalize valid dates to unambiguous international format. * [Auto export](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/exporting/auto/) of collections or entire libraries when they change. * [Pull export](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/exporting/pull/) from the embedded webserver. * Automatic [journal abbreviation](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/citing/). ## Getting started To get started, read the [installation instructions](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/installation/). ## How does it work ? At its core, BBT behaves like any Zotero import/export module; anywhere you can export or import bibliography items in Zotero, you'll find *Better X* listed among the choices. If nothing else, you could keep your existing workflow as-is, and just enjoy the improved LaTeX ↔ unicode translation on import and export and more accurate field mapping. Better BibTeX works from [BibTeXing](http://ctan.cs.uu.nl/biblio/bibtex/base/btxdoc.pdf) and [Tame the BeaST](http://www.lsv.ens-cachan.fr/~markey/BibTeX/doc/ttb_en.pdf) for BibTeX, and [The BibLaTeX Package](http://mirrors.ctan.org/macros/latex/contrib/biblatex/doc/biblatex.pdf) for BibLaTeX, but since there isn't really a definitive manual for either format that is universally followed by Bib(La)TeX editors/processors, I'm pragmatic about implementing what works. ## Got problems? We got fixes! If you have any questions on BBT's use, do not hesitate to [file a GitHub issue](https://github.com/retorquere/zotero-better-bibtex/issues/new/choose) and ask for help. If you're reporting a bug in BBT, please take a moment to glance through the [support request guidelines](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/support/); it will make sure I get your problem fixed as quick as possible. Clear bug reports commonly have really short time-to-fix, so if you report something, stick around -- it may be done as you wait. The support request guidelines are very detailed, perhaps to the point of being off-putting, but please do not fret; these guidelines simply express my ideal bug submission. I of course prefer very clearly documented issue reports over fuzzy ones, but I prefer fuzzy ones over missed ones. ## Sponsoring BBT While the development needs of BBT are to a large extent covered by the generosity towards open-source developers of services such as github, my development system does require the occasional upgrade; also, I enjoy getting the occasional frivolous tech-toy that I wouldn't otherwise grant myself. While you should feel in no way obligated to pay for BBT, [anything you can spare](https://www.paypal.me/retorquere) is very much appreciated. If you'd rather contribute a little bit each month (and a little means a lot) so I can save up for a replacement a year or so down the line, head on over to [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/retorquere), but mind that Patreon takes a fairly large cut of what you give. Many, many thanks, also to the existing contributors -- thanks to you I've hit my first target and have been able to replace my trusty macbook air with a newer macbook pro which has much more breathing room. I prefer communicating via github issues, but for private information you can reach me on [matrix](https://matrix.to/#/@retorquere:utwente.io)