Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Citing & writing

Better BibTeX for Zotero

by retorquere · github.com/retorquere/zotero-better-bibtex

Generates stable, clash-free citation keys and exports to BibTeX/BibLaTeX with proper Unicode-to-LaTeX conversion.

Citing & writingFiles, sync & backup
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (35 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
7,153
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
14.2M
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
67
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
MIT
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because it launches programs on your computer
Applies to v9.0.64, released 9 Sep 2026Code checked · in Zotero 10.0.3 on 27 Sep 2026 it did something its card didn't describe
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyReadable code, uploaded by the project's automated GitHub buildThe release file was uploaded by the project's automated GitHub build. We haven't yet rebuilt it from the source to compare.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repositoryThe update address offers this version
Where your data goesOnly contacts services we could identify6 addresses in 5 groups.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Scholarly services (1)
inspirehep.netnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
Apps you connect (1)
filebin.net
Zotero (2)
repo.zotero.orgseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.www.zotero.orgseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.
Code hosting (1)
github.comseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1named in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
Where we found it
filebin.netbootstrap.js · line 2006
const response = await fetch(`https://filebin.net/${this.key}/${this.name}`, {
www.zotero.orgcontent/better-bibtex.js · line 123740
const releases = JSON.parse((await Zotero.HTTP.request("GET", `https://www.zotero.org/download/client/version?channel=${channel}`, { noCache: true })).response);
github.combootstrap.js · line 2163
text: `Better BibTeX has experienced a startup error. Please restart Zotero to resolve it.
Powerful capabilitiesLaunches programs on your computer, and 6 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Launches programs on your computermediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.Uses the clipboardlowLow concern.Runs code it assembles while runninglowLow concern.Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.Adds Zotero translators it shipslowLow concern.Keeps its own database filelowLow concern.Lets programs on this computer connect through Zotero's built-in server
Where we found it
Launches programs on your computercontent/better-bibtex.js · line 123352
const proc = Components.classes["@mozilla.org/process/util;1"].createInstance(Components.interfaces.nsIProcess);
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 8, 9, 10 · not 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✓ worksZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needNothing extra detectedDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 9 Sep 202667 contributors
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface: German, English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese
No further detail for this area yet.
We report what we found in the code. Open any area for the evidence.How we gradeReport a problem

What it does

Written by AI from the README

Generates stable, clash-free citation keys and exports to BibTeX/BibLaTeX with proper Unicode-to-LaTeX conversion. Auto-export rewrites your .bib file whenever a collection changes.

Writing in LaTeX or Markdown with Zotero's stock export means unstable keys, mangled special characters and re-exporting by hand. BBT keeps a live, correct .bib file your documents can rely on.

What you'll need

Detected automatically

We haven't detected any setup requirements. That isn't the same as none: check the developer's README.

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 6 addresses in 5 groups.

Scholarly services (1)
inspirehep.netnamed in its code
Apps you connect (1)
filebin.net
Zotero (2)
repo.zotero.orgseen when we ran itwww.zotero.orgseen when we ran it
Code hosting (1)
github.comseen when we ran it
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1named in its code
Evidence · file and line
filebin.netbootstrap.js · line 2006
const response = await fetch(`https://filebin.net/${this.key}/${this.name}`, {
www.zotero.orgcontent/better-bibtex.js · line 123740
const releases = JSON.parse((await Zotero.HTTP.request("GET", `https://www.zotero.org/download/client/version?channel=${channel}`, { noCache: true })).response);
github.combootstrap.js · line 2163
text: `Better BibTeX has experienced a startup error. Please restart Zotero to resolve it.

Forks and alternatives

1 listed fork.

Plugins for the same job
  • NoteroReading & PDFs · Files, sync & backupA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • ZotMoovOrganising & tags · Files, sync & backupA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • zotxtCiting & writingA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Google Scholar Citation CountCiting & writing · Import & metadataA+Recommended, tested in Zotero

The developer's response

The developer hasn't responded. Developers can reply here, and their reply sits next to our findings.I'm the developer
Install Better BibTeX for Zotero
BUse with care
Before you install: It launches programs on your computer.Read the finding
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