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RefWorks for Citations and Footnotes

Write-N-Cite for Citations and Footnotes

What is Write-N-Cite?

Write-N-Cite is a software program which integrates RefWorks into Microsoft Word. Write-N-Cite allows you to create in-text citations and footnotes using sources in your RefWorks account. In addition, Write-N-Cite will format your paper automatically in a variety of citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, etc.).

Write-N-Cite only works with MS Word for Windows and Mac. If you use Open Office or another word processing software (such as WordPerfect), you will need to enter your RefWorks citations manually.

How do I install Write-N-Cite?

In order to use Write-N-Cite, you must download a small plug-in to your computer. To download the software, log into your RefWorks account. Then go to Tools/Write-N-Cite to download the Mac or Windows version of the file.

If you install Write-N-Cite correctly, you will notice a Write-N-Cite shortcut on your desktop:

Write-N-Cite Shortcut

In addition, you will see a small icon in your Microsoft Word toolbar:

Write-N-Cite Toolbar

After starting Write-n-Cite, you will need to login to your RefWOrks account. Be sure to select "Login through your institution"
Image of Shibboleth login screen

Please note!

If you have previously configured Write-n-Cite to work with the University's proxy server, you must disable this.

Using Write-N-Cite for In-Text or Parenthetical Citations

Write-N-Cite will help you create a document using records you have gathered in your RefWorks database, and will format your final document in a variety of citation styles.

  1. Create or open a MS Word document.
  2. Begin writing. When you are ready to cite a book or article, click on "Write-N-Cite" icon in your MS Word toolbar.
  3. Write-N-Cite will open a log-in screen. Log in using your RefWorks account information.
  4. When you are in Write-N-Cite, you will notice it is an abbreviated version of your RefWorks database. To view your citations, go to the "View" section of the Write-N-Cite, and select the appropriate folder.
  5. Once you locate the source that you wish to cite in your document, select the "Cite" link to the let of the author's name.

    Write-N-Cite Window - Cite

  6. Write-N-Cite will enter a temporary citation in your footnote, similar to this: {{240 Abbott,A. 2004}}. You can continue to compose your document, adding codes as needed.

    Write-N-Cite Code

  7. When you are ready to format your document, go to your Write-N-Cite window and select "Bibliography"
  8. Select an Output Style for your document. RefWorks includes all of the major citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, etc.), as well as many styles used specifically by certain journals for publication. Once you have selected your style, click "Create Bibliography"

    Write-N-Cite Output

  9. RefWorks will format your paper according to the citation style you have selected, creating a works cited list at the end.

    Write-N-Cite Final Document

Using Write-N-Cite for Footnotes

If you use a citation style that requires footnotes, you can still use Write-N-Cite, but you must also use MS Word's footnote feature. Below are step-by-step instructions for using Write-N-Cite for footnotes.

  1. Create or open a MS Word document.
  2. When you are ready to insert a footnote, select Insert/Reference in the menu. Select "Footnote" and then chose "Insert"
  3. Place your cursor in the footnote and open Write-N-Cite by clicking on the button in your toolbar. Log into your RefWorks account.
  4. Select the reference you would like to use in your footnote by clicking "Cite".

    Write-N-Cite Window

  5. RefWorks will enter a temporary citation in your footnote, similar to this: {{240 Abbott,A. 2004}} .
  6. To add a page number or comments to your footnote, go to the Write-n-Cite window and click the “Edit Citation” link at the top of the window. This will open another pop-up window labeled "Citation Editor".

    Editing Your Citation in Write-N-Cite

  7. Enter your page number or text in the appropriate box in the Citation Editor. Click "Save to Word". You should be able to see a slight change in the code in your document: {{240 Abbott,A. 2004/s15;}}

    Adding Page Numbers in Write-N-Cite

  8. Continue working on your document, adding footnotes as needed. When you are ready to produce your bibliography and footnotes, save the document.
  9. Go to the Write-N-Cite window and select "Bibliography".
  10. Select your output style and select "Create Bibliography".

Getting Help

If you need help installing or using RefWorks, please contact a librarian.