Our verdict: Mendeley Reference Manager is a solid free option if you want your papers and annotations synced through the cloud and cited in Word. It requires an Elsevier-run account, is closed source and pushes paid AI features, so Zotero is the more independent choice.
About Mendeley Reference Manager
Mendeley Reference Manager is the current desktop app of Mendeley, a service owned by the publisher Elsevier. It replaced the older Mendeley Desktop, and existing Mendeley Desktop libraries move over automatically when you sign in. The library is stored in your Mendeley account and synced to the web and other computers.
You add PDFs by drag and drop, from watched folders or with the Mendeley Web Importer browser extension, then organize them in collections and tags. The built-in reader supports highlights, comments and the Mendeley Notebook. Mendeley Cite inserts citations and bibliographies in Microsoft Word. A free account includes 2 GB of personal storage and up to 5 groups of 25 people with 100 MB of shared storage; paid plans add storage and AI tools.
What it does well
- PDF import. Drag and drop PDFs or whole folders, or watch a folder for new files.
- Web Importer. Browser extension that saves references while you research online.
- Annotations and Notebook. Highlight and comment on PDFs and collect notes across documents.
- Mendeley Cite. Word add-in that inserts citations and builds bibliographies.
- Groups. Shared libraries for up to 25 collaborators on the free plan.
Who it is for
Good fit
Students and researchers who write in Word and want their papers and notes synced across computers.
Look elsewhere
People who prefer open-source tools, work in LaTeX or do not want an Elsevier account.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free plan with 2 GB of cloud storage
- Syncs library and annotations across devices
- Mendeley Cite add-in for Word
- Free groups for collaboration
Cons
- Requires an account; the library lives on Elsevier's servers
- Closed source, with AI features behind paid plans
- No LibreOffice citation plugin in Reference Manager
How to install Mendeley Reference Manager
The download button fetches the current Windows installer from Mendeley. Sign in with a free Mendeley (Elsevier) account; if you used Mendeley Desktop, your library syncs automatically. Install Mendeley Cite from the Word add-ins store and the Web Importer for your browser separately.
Questions about Mendeley Reference Manager
Is Mendeley free?
Yes. Mendeley Reference Manager is free with 2 GB of personal storage and up to 5 groups. Paid plans add storage and AI features.
Is Mendeley Desktop still available?
Mendeley Desktop has been replaced by Mendeley Reference Manager, which can sync an existing Desktop library to the cloud.
How do I cite with Mendeley in Word?
Install the Mendeley Cite add-in in Word, sign in and insert citations from your library.
