RefWorks

RefWorks Citation Manager (RCM) is an 'add-in' tool for Microsoft Word which enables you to cite references from RefWorks directly into your document as you write it. You can use your chosen referencing style and easily create your bibliography.

RCM is compatible with Word 2016 or later. See  Finding the Right Writing Tool Add-on to check compatibility with your operating system and version of Microsoft Word.

You can install RCM from one of the following options:

• Go to Microsoft AppSource and search for RefWorks, or RCM, and follow easy to add instructions.
• In Word, go to the Add-in Store and search for RefWorks (see instructions below).

Upgrading to latest version of RMC

RefWorks Citation Manager was updated in November 2024. If you have not updated to the latest version, see the guidance below.

• From Word (online), click the Home tab click Add-ins (if you don't see 'Add-ins' click the 3 dots for more options). You may then need to click + Get Add-ins. 
• Alternatively, from Word opened in Desktop app, click File and select Get Add-ins from the menu on left.

At the Office Add-ins box, select More Add-ins, search for RefWorks, you should find the RefWorks Citation Manager and click Add. (Ignore the option for 'RefWorks - RCM' as in the screenshot below as this is an older version of RCM).

RCM will then appear in the tabs at the top of your Word screen.

Choose whichever method you usually login to RefWorks with e.g. Login from my institution, or create an account and enter your email address and the password that you set up.

Depending on the computer you are using you may need to add RCM to your Word ribbon each time you open Word.

• Click Home on the Word (online)Tool bar, select Add-ins and My Add-ins. Choose RCM.
  

An updated version of RefWorks Citation Manager was released in November 2024. If you have not already installed the upgraded version here are some tips:

• How do I know if I am using the old or new version?
  On the Word ribbon the old version displays as RefWorks - RCM. The new version displays simply as RCM.
• How do I get the new version?
  In your Word document, when you open the old version you will see information on a blue background giving you the option to Get add-in.
  
  Alternatively, follow the guidance on this page to get the add-in.
• How do I remove the old version?
  Go to Add-ins, select +More Add-ins and click My Add-ins. Point your mouse to the option for RefWorks - RCM and click the 3 dots for more options. Click Remove.
  
  Alternatively, open the old RefWorks - RCM in Word. Right click on the RW tile and select Remove Add-in.
  

The current referencing style is noted at the top of the RCM pane. Click the arrow to select a different style e.g. Harvard, Chicago, APA, IEEE etc. then click Update.

For Harvard, select the institutional Styles and use Harvard Cite Them Right for all new documents. Harvard Stirling University can be used for work started prior to August 2024.

• In your Word document, position your cursor where you want to cite one or more references.
• In the RefWorks Citation Manager either select from All References or click the drop down menu to select one of your folders.
• For a single citation, click the double quote icon to Cite it. Click the pencil icon to Edit the in-text citation to include page numbers or switch to Display as Author (Year).
• To cite multiple references at the same location in your text, tick the boxes then click Insert Citation.
• If you need to edit a citation later e.g. add a page number to it, click the citation in your text and make your changes when the reference information opens in the right side bar.
  

When you insert RefWorks citations and bibliography into a document, computer links between your document and RefWorks are created. RefWorks calls this 'Content Control' although other software may refer to 'Field Codes'.

Publishers usually ask for Field Codes or Content Control to be removed so that the document you send them is plain text. It can also be useful to remove the content control if sending a document to reviewers e.g.documents which include field codes or Content Control can become corrupted if used with 'track changes' function in Word.

IMPORTANT - if you remove the Content Control, your document will no longer be able to change the citations or update the bibliography via RefWorks. Always, take a back up copy of your document before removing the 'Content Control', so that you have a version that will continue to interact with RefWorks should you need it.

1. Write your document in Word, as usual.
2. Insert desired citations using RCM
3. Before removing the Content Control, take a back up copy of your document.
4. Select all contents in Word (Ctrl+a)
5. Right click on the content
6. Click on “Remove Content Control”: