JabRef Version 4.2

We are proud to release JabRef 4.2!

This version fixes a lot of bugs of version 4.1.

Unfortunately, JabRef binaries are still not digitally signed any more.
However, we will release a signed version shortly.
Read our blog to know the reasons.
In the meantime, please check the installations instructions for your Operating System (especially macOs), in case JabRef cannot be started.

An overview of all new features and fixes can be found as usual in the changelog at GitHub.

JabRef Version 4.1

After more than two months of hard work, we are proud to release JabRef 4.1!

Since then we primarily focused on performance and memory issues, but were also able to add new features.
Furthermore, the release also attracted some new contributors from the community and we are proud to see 12 new contributors since the last release.
We are thankful for that and enjoy seeing the JabRef community growing!

Unfortunately, JabRef binaries are not digitally signed any more.
We are working in a fix, but this will take some weeks to months.
Read our blog to know the reasons.
In the meantime, please check the installations instructions for your Operating System (especially MacOs), in case JabRef cannot be started.

We wish all JabRef users Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Bug Fixes

• We fixed various reasons why JabRef would freeze.
• We fixed an issue where dropping a pdf on the entry table and renaming it triggered an exception. #3490
• We fixed an issue where automatically found files where not added with a relative paths when the bib file is in the same directory as the files. #3476
• We no longer allow to add a field multiple times in customized entry types and thereby fix an issue in the entry editor that resulted from having a field multiple times. #3046
• We fixed an issue where editing in the source tab would override content of other entries. #3352
• We fixed an issue where timestamps were not updated for changed entries. #2810

An overview of all new features and fixes can be found as usual in the changelog at GitHub.

JabRef Version 4.0

We are pleased to announce the release of JabRef version 4.0.

Changed

• We add a textArea to see versionInfo in the About JabRef Dialog.#2942
• We turned the validation feature in the entry editor off by default, because of a bug in the library we have been using #3145
• Added 'Filter All' and 'Filter None' buttons with corresponding functionality to Quality Check tool.
• We increased the size of the keywords and file text areas in the entry editor
• When the entry that is currently shown in the entry editor is deleted externally, the editor is now closed automatically #2946
• We added reordering of file and link entries in the General-Tab 3165, comment
• We added autcompletion for the crossref field on basis of the BibTeX-key. To accept such an autcompleted key as new entry-link, you have to press Enter two times, otherwise the field data is not stored in the library file.koppor#257
• We added drag and drop support for adding files directly in the General-Tab. The dragged files are currently only linked from their existing directory. For more advanced features use the Add files dialog. #koppor#244
• We added the file description filed back to the list of files in the General-Tab #2930, comment
• Added an error dialog if the file is open in another process and cannot be renamed. [#3229]
• On Windows, the JabRef.exe executable can now be used to start JabRef from the command line. By default, no output is shown unless the new "-console" option is specified.

Fixed

• We re-added the "Normalize to BibTeX name format" context menu item #3136
• We fixed a memory leak in the source tab of the entry editor #3113
• We fixed a java bug where linux users could not enter accented characters in the entry editor and the search bar #3028
• We fixed a regression introduced in v4.0-beta2: A file can be dropped to the entry preview to attach it to the entry koppor#245
• We fixed an issue in the "Replace String" dialog (Ctrl+R where search and replace did not work for the bibtexkey field. #3132
• We fixed an issue in the entry editor where adding a term to a new protected terms list freezed JabRef completely. #3157
• We fixed an issue in the "Manage protected terms" dialog where an 'Open file' dialog instead of a 'Save file' dialog was shown when creating a new list. #3157
• We fixed an issue where unparseable dates of the FileAnnotations caused the FileAnnotationsTab to crash.
• We fixed an issue where a new protected terms list was not available immediately after its addition. #3161
• We fixed an issue where an online file link could not be removed from an entry #3165
• We fixed an issue where an online file link did not open the browser and created an error #3165
• We fixed an issue where the arrow keys in the search bar did not work as expected #3081
• We fixed wrong hotkey being displayed at "automatically file links" in the entry editor
• We fixed an issue where metadata syncing with local and shared database were unstable. It will also fix syncing groups and sub-groups in database. #2284
• We fixed an issue where renaming a linked file would fail silently if a file with the same name existed. Added support for overriding existing file at user discretion. [#3172] (#3172)
• We fixed an issue where the "Remove group and subgroups" operation did not remove group information from entries in the group #3190
• We fixed an issue where it was possible to leave the entry editor with an imbalance of braces. #3167
• Renaming files now truncates the filename to not exceed the limit of 255 chars #2622
• We improved the handling of hyphens in names. #2775
• We fixed an issue where an entered file description was not written to the bib-file #3208
• We improved the auto completion in the search bar. koppor#253
• We fixed renaming files which are not in the main directory. #3230

Removed

• We removed support for LatexEditor, as it is not under active development. #3199

JabRef Version 4.0 beta 3

The transition to the new GUI technology JavaFX is reaching a milestone where most of the entry editor is already migrated.
This beta3 release should encourage you to test the new user interface, especially the new entry editor, as we feel that it can be released soon.

As usual, check out the blog post for more information on this beta release.

Changed

• We made the font size in the entry editor and group panel customizable by "Menu and label font size". #3034
• If fetched article is already in database, then the entry merge dialog is shown.
• An error message is now displayed if you try to create a group containing the keyword separator or if there is already a group with the same name. #3075 and #1495
• The FileAnnotationsTab was re-implemented in JavaFx. #3082
• Integrity warnings are now directly displayed in the entry editor.
• We added the functionality to have regex as modifier. #457

Fixed

• We fixed an issue where the fetcher for the Astrophysics Data System (ADS) added some non-bibtex data to the entry returned from the search #3035
• We improved the auto completion so that minor changes are not added as suggestions. #2998
• We readded the undo mechanism for changes in the entry editor #2973
• We fixed an issue where assigning an entry via drag and drop to a group caused JabRef to stop/freeze completely #3036
• We fixed the shortcut Ctrl+F for the search field.
• We fixed an issue where title_case and capitalize modifiers did not work with shorttitle.
• We fixed an issue where the preferences could not be imported without a restart of JabRef #3064
• We fixed an issue where DEL, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V and Ctrl+A in the search field triggered corresponding actions in the main table #3067
• We fixed an issue where JabRef freezed when editing an assigned file in the General-Tab #2930, comment
• We fixed an issue where a file could not be assigned to an existing entry via the entry context menu action Attach file #3080
• We fixed an issue where entry editor was not focused after opening up. #3052
• We fixed an issue where changes in the source tab were not stored when selecting a new entry. #3086
• We fixed an issue where the other tab was not updated when fields where changed in the source tab. #3063
• We fixed an issue where the source tab was not updated after fetching data by DOI. #3103
• We fixed an issue where the move to group operation did not remove the entry from other groups #3101
• We fixed an issue where the main table was not updated when grouping changes #1903

JabRef Version 4.0 beta 2

We are pleased to announce the release of JabRef version 4.0 beta 2!

In the spirit of the last beta release, we decided to release a second beta before the full 4.0 release. We are continuing the transition of the user interface technology to JavaFX.

As usual, check out the blog post for more information on this beta release.

Changed

• We moved the adsurl field to url field when fetching with the ADS fetcher.
• We continued to improve the new groups interface:
  • You can now again select multiple groups (and a few related settings were added to the preferences) #2786.
  • We further improved performance of group operations, especially of the new filter feature #2852.
  • It is now possible to resort groups using drag & drop #2785.
• The entry editor got a fresh coat of paint:
  • Homogenize the size of text fields.
  • The buttons were changed to icons.
  • Completely new interface to add or modify linked files.
  • Removed the hidden feature that a double click in the editor inserted the current date.
  • Complete new implementation of the the auto complete feature.
• All authors and editors are separated using semicolons when exporting to csv. #2762
• Improved wording of "Show recommendations: into "Show 'Related Articles' tab" in the preferences
• We added integration of the Library of Congress catalog as a fetcher based on the LCCN identifier. Feature request 636 in the forum
• The integrity check for person names now also tests that the names are specified in one of the standard BibTeX formats.
• Links in the Recommended Articles tab (Mr.DLib), when clicked, are now opened in the system's default browser. 2931
• We improved the duplicate checker such that different editions of the same publication are not marked as duplicates. 2960

Fixed

• We fixed a bug that leaves .sav file after SaveAs #2947
• We fixed the function "Edit - Copy BibTeX key and link" to pass a hyperlink rather than an HTML statement.
• We fixed the adding of a new entry from DOI which led to a connection error. The DOI resolution now uses HTTPS to protect the user's privacy.#2879
• We fixed the IEEE Xplore web search functionality #2789
• We fixed an error in the CrossRef fetcher that occurred if one of the fetched entries had no title
• We fixed an issue that prevented new entries to be automatically assigned to the currently selected group #2783.
• We fixed a bug that only allowed parsing positive timezones from a FileAnnotation #2839
• We fixed a bug that did not allow the correct re-export of the MS-Office XML field msbib-accessed with a different date format #2859.
• We fixed some bugs that prevented the display of FileAnnotations that were created using the Foxit Reader. #2839, comment.
• We fixed an error that prevented the FileAnnotation tab to load when the entry had no bibtexkey #2903.
• We fixed a bug which which could result in an exception when opening/saving files from/to a nonexistent directory #2917.
• We fixed a bug where recursive RegExpBased search found a file in a subdirectory multiple times and non-recursive RegExpBased search erroneously found files in subdirectories.
• We fixed a bug where new groups information was not stored on save #2932
• We fixed a bug where the language files for Brazilian Portugese could not be loaded and the GUI localization remained in English #1128
• We fixed a bug where the database was not marked as dirty when entries or groups were changed #2787
• We fixed a bug where editors in the DocBook export were not exported #3020
• We fixed a bug where the source tab was not updated when one the fields was changed #2888
• We restored the original functionality that when browsing through the MainTable, the Entry Editor remembers which tab was opened before #2896

JabRef Version 4.0 beta

We are pleased to announce the release of JabRef version 4.0 beta!

It is a first step to an overhaul of our user interface. Read more at http://blog.jabref.org/2017/04/17/JabRef4-0-beta/.

Changed

• JabRef has a new logo! The logo was designed by "AikTheOne" - who was the winner of a design contest at 99designs.com
• Partly switched to a new UI technology ([JavaFX]).
  • Redesigned group panel.
    • Number of matched entries is always shown.
    • The background color of the hit counter signals whether the group contains all/any of the entries selected in the main table.
    • Added a possibility to filter the groups panel #1904
    • Removed edit mode.
    • Removed the following commands in the right-click menu:
      • Expand/collapse subtree
      • Move up/down/left/right
    • Remove option to "highlight overlapping groups"
    • Moved the option to "Gray out non-hits" / "Hide non-hits" to the preferences
    • Removed the following options from the group preferences:
      • Show icons (icons can now be customized)
      • Show dynamic groups in italics (dynamic groups are not treated specially now)
      • Initially show groups tree expanded (always true now)
    • Expansion status of groups are saved across sessions. #1428
  • Redesigned about dialog.
  • Redesigned key bindings dialog.
  • Redesigned journal abbreviations dialog.
  • New error console.
  • All file dialogs now use the native file selector of the OS. #1711
• We added a few properties to a group:
  • Icon (with customizable color) that is shown in the groups panel (implements a feature request in the forum).
  • Description text that is shown on mouse hover (implements old feature requests 489 and 818)
• We introduced "automatic groups" that automatically create subgroups based on a certain criteria (e.g., a subgroup for every author or keyword) and supports hierarchies. Implements 91, 398, #1173 and #628.
• We added a document viewer which allows you to have a glance at your PDF documents directly from within JabRef.
• Using "Look up document identifier" in the quality menu, it is possible to look up DOIs, ArXiv ids and other identifiers for multiple entries.
• Comments in PDF files can now be displayed inside JabRef in a separate tab
• We separated the Move file and Rename Pdfs logic and context menu entries in the General-Tab for the Field file to improve the semantics
• We integrated support for the paper recommender system Mr.DLib in a new tab in the entry editor.
• We renamed "database" to "library" to have a real distinction to SQL databases ("shared database") and bib files ("library"). #2095
• We improved the UI customization possibilities:
  • It is now possible to customize the colors and the size of the icons (implements a feature request in the forum).
  • Resizing the menu and label sizes has been improved.
  • Font sizes can now be increased Ctrl + Plus, decreased Ctrl + Minus, and reset to default CTRL + 0.
• F4 opens selected file in current JTable context not just from selected entry inside the main table #2355
• We are happy to welcome CrossRef as a new member of our fetcher family. #2455
• We added MathSciNet as a ID-based fetcher in the BibTeX -> New entry dialog (implements a feature request in the forum)
• Add tab which shows the MathSciNet review website if the MRNumber field is present.
• A scrollbar was added to the cleanup panel, as a result of issue #2501
• Several scrollbars were added to the preference dialog which show up when content is too large #2559
• We fixed and improved the auto detection of the OpenOffice and LibreOffice connection
• We added an option to copy the title of BibTeX entries to the clipboard through Edit -> Copy title (implements #210)
• The Move linked files to default file directory-Cleanup operation respects the File directory pattern setting
• We removed the ordinals-to-superscript formatter from the recommendations for biblatex save actions #2596
• Improved MS-Office Import/Export
  • Improved author handling
  • The day part of the biblatex date field is now exported to the corresponding day field. #2691
  • Entries with a single corporate author are now correctly exported to the corresponding corporate author field. #1497
  • Now exports the field volumes and pubstate.
• The integrity checker reports now if a journal is not found in the abbreviation list
• JabRef will now no longer delete meta data it does not know, but keeps such entries and tries to keep their formatting as far as possible.
• Switch to the latex2unicode library for converting LaTeX to unicode
• Single underscores are not converted during the LaTeX to unicode conversion, which does not follow the rules of LaTeX, but is what users require. #2664
• The bibtexkey field is not converted to unicode

Fixed

• ArXiV fetcher now checks similarity of entry when using DOI retrieval to avoid false positives #2575
• We fixed an issue of duplicate keys after using a fetcher, e.g., DOI or ISBN #2867
• We fixed an issue that prevented multiple parallel JabRef instances from terminating gracefully. #2698
• We fixed an issue where authors with multiple surnames were not presented correctly in the main table. #2534
• Repairs the handling of apostrophes in the LaTeX to unicode conversion. #2500
• Fix import of journal title in RIS format. #2506
• We fixed the export of the number field in MS-Office XML export. #2509
• The field issue is now always exported to the corresponding issue field in MS-Office XML.
• We fixed the import of MS-Office XML files, when the month field contained an invalid value.
• We fixed an issue with repeated escaping of the %-sign when running the LaTeXCleanup more than once. #2451
• Sciencedirect/Elsevier fetcher is now able to scrape new HTML structure #2576
• Fixed the synchronization logic of keywords and special fields and vice versa #2580
• We fixed an exception that prevented JabRef from starting in rare cases bug report in the forum.
• We fixed an unhandled exception when saving an entry containing unbalanced braces #2571
• Fixed a display issue when removing a group with a long name #1407
• We fixed an issue where the "find unlinked files" functionality threw an error when only one PDF was imported but not assigned to an entry #2577
• We fixed issue where escaped braces were incorrectly counted when calculating brace balance in a field #2561
• We fixed an issue introduced with Version 3.8.2 where executing the Rename PDFs-cleanup operation moved the files to the file directory. #2526
• We improved the performance when opening a big library that still used the old groups format. Fixes an issue raised in the forum.
• We fixed an issue where the Move linked files to default file directory- cleanup operation did not move the files to the location of the bib-file. #2454
• We fixed an issue where executing Move file on a selected file in the general-tab could overwrite an existing file. #2385
• We fixed an issue with importing groups and subgroups #2600
• Fixed an issue where title-related key patterns did not correspond to the documentation. #2604 #2589
• We fixed an issue which prohibited the citation export to external programs on MacOS. #2613
• We ...

JabRef Version 3.8.2

We are pleased to announce the release of JabRef version 3.8.2!

Read about noteworthy changes in our blog post at http://blog.jabref.org/2017/01/29/JabRef3-8-2/.

Changed

• Added the option to update bibliographic information from DOI to the sidebar of the entryeditor. Implements #2432.
• The default shortcut for "Cleanup entries" is now Alt + F8 since F8 alone did not work.
  Please reset your key bindings to get Alt + F8 as default.
  Fixes #2251.

Fixed

• The formatter for normalizing pages now also can treat ACM pages such as 2:1--2:33.
• Backslashes in content selectors are now correctly escaped. Fixes #2426.
• Non-ISO timestamp settings prevented the opening of the entry editor. Fixes #2447.
• When pressing Ctrl + F and the searchbar is already focused, the text will be selected.
• LaTeX symbols are now displayed as Unicode for the author column in the main table. 'n and \'{n} are parsed correctly. Fixes #2458.
• If one deleted the current query it was not saved (every basepanel can have its own query). Fixes #2468.
• The ACM fetcher does no longer add HTML code to the bib-file. Fixes #2472.
• When finding unlinked files, JabRef does not freeze any more. Fixes #2309#2309).
• Collapse and expand all buttons in the group assignment dialog no longer lead to a crash of JabRef.
• The aux export command line function does no longer add duplicates of references that were resolved via crossref. Fixes #2475.
• When the database is changed externally, JabRef is no longer prevented from an orderly shutdown. Fixes #2486.
• Parsing of damaged metadata is now more robust and reports a more detailed error message. Fixes #2477.
• Dynamic groups with regular expression can be edited again. Fixes #2481.

JabRef Version 3.8.1

We are pleased to announce the christmas release of JabRef!

The full changelog is available at the CHANGELOG.md of v3.8.1.

JabRef Version 3.8

We are pleased to announce the release of JabRef version 3.8!

The full changelog is available at the CHANGELOG.md of v3.8.

JabRef Version 3.7

We are pleased to announce the release of JabRef version 3.7!

Version 3.7 contains various fixes and more than 30 changes and improvements.
Check out our blog for a summary of the changes.

The full changelog is available at the CHANGELOG.md of v3.7.