Can I use Overleaf with Paperpile?

Update 13 July 2022

Since this page was first published, Paperpile launched a new Overleaf integration to simplify writing workflows for Overleaf and Paperpile users. Please visit the blog page How to create a bibliography using Overleaf and Paperpile — a step-by-step guide for the most up-to-date information.

Older content retained for archival interest

You can export your bibliography from Paperpile to use in Overleaf. Furthermore, if you save this exported file to a location which allows direct linking (e.g. Google Drive), it's easy to keep it in sync when you add new references.

How to export your .bib file from Paperpile

Here's a quick guide on how to export a .bib file from your Paperpile library.

You can now add your bibliography to your Overleaf projects as described below.

How to add a bibliography to your document

First of all you need to upload the .bib file you just exported from Paperpile to Overleaf via the Upload Files button. If you use a cloud-based document management service such as Google Drive, you can do this in a way which will link the files to allow for easy updating of you bib file in future—see this help article for more details.

Once your bibliography file has been uploaded, there are a number of bibliography packages which can be used to display the relevant entries in your document (as you cite them). As an example, we often use the natbib package, and the commands for natbib look like:

...
\usepackage{natbib}
...
\begin{document}
...
\bibliographystyle{plainnat}
\bibliography{name-of-your-bib-file-here}
\end{document}

You can also edit the bib file directly via the files menu. For additional information on adding a bibliography to your document, see Part 2 of our Intro to LaTeX course, or check out the LaTeX Wikibook.