Where do I get CSL-JSON?

Zotero (File → Export Library → CSL JSON), Mendeley, Pandoc and many reference APIs such as Crossref (with Accept: application/vnd.citationstyles.csl+json) produce CSL-JSON, the format of the Citation Style Language processors.

How are citation keys chosen?

The CSL "id" is kept when it is a valid BibTeX key. Otherwise the key is the first author's family name plus the year, with _2, _3 added to duplicates. Organizations as authors are wrapped in braces so BibTeX does not split them into first and last name.

How do I convert CSL-JSON to BibTeX?

Upload your CSL-JSON file above, click Convert, and download the BibTeX result instantly. No account or software needed.

Is converting CSL-JSON to BibTeX free?

Yes. It is free and unlimited for files up to 5 MB, with no account required. Larger files get 3 free conversions per day; beyond that, credit packs start at $3 and credits never expire.

Are my files stored or shared?

No. Files are processed in server memory and deleted immediately after conversion. File contents are never written to disk or retained.

Do I need to install anything?

No software installation needed. OmniConvert runs in the browser — just upload, convert, and download.

OmniConvert

Convert CSL-JSON to BibTeX

Free

Convert CSL-JSON references from Zotero, Mendeley or Pandoc to BibTeX entries for LaTeX

Drop a file or click to browse

Accepted: .json

or paste below

Free and unlimited for files up to 5 MB. No account needed.

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Convert RIS to BibTeX— Convert a RIS citation file to BibTeX format
Convert EndNote XML to JSON— Convert an EndNote XML library export to JSON, with the same fields as RIS to JSON

About this conversion

Convert CSL-JSON references from Zotero, Mendeley or Pandoc to BibTeX entries for LaTeX. This converter processes your CSL-JSON file server-side and returns a BibTeX file instantly — no account, no software installation, and no file storage. Files are deleted from our servers immediately after conversion.

Learn more: RIS file format explained

How to convert CSL-JSON to BibTeX

1. Upload — drag your CSL-JSON file onto the converter above, or click to browse.
2. Convert — press Convert. Processing happens on secure servers in seconds.
3. Download — your BibTeX file downloads automatically. No sign-up required.

Convert CSL-JSON to BibTeX from the command line

curl --fail-with-body \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN" \
  -F "file=@input.json" \
  -F "conversionId=csl-json-to-bibtex" \
  https://www.omniconvert.cloud/api/convert -o output.bib

The API needs a token from a credit pack, and each API conversion uses one credit. Converting on this page stays free. API documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get CSL-JSON?: Zotero (File → Export Library → CSL JSON), Mendeley, Pandoc and many reference APIs such as Crossref (with Accept: application/vnd.citationstyles.csl+json) produce CSL-JSON, the format of the Citation Style Language processors.
How are citation keys chosen?: The CSL "id" is kept when it is a valid BibTeX key. Otherwise the key is the first author's family name plus the year, with _2, _3 added to duplicates. Organizations as authors are wrapped in braces so BibTeX does not split them into first and last name.
How do I convert CSL-JSON to BibTeX?: Upload your CSL-JSON file above, click Convert, and download the BibTeX result instantly. No account or software needed.
Is converting CSL-JSON to BibTeX free?: Yes. It is free and unlimited for files up to 5 MB, with no account required. Larger files get 3 free conversions per day; beyond that, credit packs start at $3 and credits never expire.
Are my files stored or shared?: No. Files are processed in server memory and deleted immediately after conversion. File contents are never written to disk or retained.
Do I need to install anything?: No software installation needed. OmniConvert runs in the browser — just upload, convert, and download.

No account needed · Credits never expire · Share your token link across devices