If you research and write with references, you have probably come across Mendeley. The reference manager helps you collect PDFs, organize sources, annotate papers, and create bibliographies. Many users, however, are unsure which version to use today, because the older Mendeley Desktop application has been succeeded by a new product called Mendeley Reference Manager.
This guide explains what changed, how the two options differ according to Elsevier, and how to decide which one fits your workflow. This website is an independent informational site and is not affiliated with Elsevier or Mendeley.
What Mendeley Desktop Is Today
Mendeley Desktop is the classic desktop version of the program. According to Elsevier’s support guide, it receives no new feature development. Elsevier states that it will continue to provide essential maintenance, including fixes for critical security issues. The guide also says that the desktop installer remains available for users who want to explore it, and that existing users can check for updates through the Help menu.
What Mendeley Reference Manager Offers
Elsevier describes Mendeley Reference Manager as the new version, available as both a desktop and a web application. The company states that the two versions look and function identically and that the library synchronizes to the cloud. According to Elsevier’s guide, the feature set includes importing PDFs by drag and drop, file import, or manual entry, smart and custom collections, annotation and highlighting, a Notebook for collecting highlights, a Web Importer for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, and private groups for sharing with colleagues.
The Mendeley website also states that its basic service is free and includes 2 GB of storage. Check the current plan details on the official website before you decide, because storage limits and features can change.
Which Version Should You Choose?
For most new users, Mendeley Reference Manager is the logical choice, because Elsevier positions it as the successor and it receives the development attention. Desktop may suit you if you have an established library and a workflow that works well for you, though you should plan for the future. The best way to decide is to test the new version with a small sample library before you migrate your full collection.
Step by Step: Moving to the New Version Safely
- Back up your library. Export your references and copy your PDF folder to a separate drive before you change anything.
- Read Elsevier’s migration guide. The Desktop support page links to a migration guide for existing users. Read it to understand how your existing library, groups, and annotations will be handled.
- Test with a small collection. Create a test library with a few dozen references and check that PDFs, notes, and bibliography styles behave as you expect.
- Check your citation plugin. If you use Word or LibreOffice integration, confirm that the plugin works with the version you choose before you write a long document.
- Keep the Web Importer in mind. If you collect sources from the browser, install the Web Importer for your browser and test it with a few websites.
Things We Could Not Confirm
The support pages we reviewed do not state in detail how existing Desktop libraries are transferred, which features differ between the two versions, or the exact end dates for every platform. Elsevier’s migration guide is the authoritative source for these questions. Check it before relying on any specific behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mendeley Desktop still available?
According to Elsevier’s support guide, the desktop installer can still be downloaded, and the company continues to provide essential maintenance. It no longer receives new features.
Is Mendeley Reference Manager free?
The Mendeley website describes a free service with 2 GB of storage. Check the official plan details for current conditions.
Will my existing library still work?
Elsevier provides a migration guide for existing Desktop users. Read it before you move your library, and keep a backup until you have verified the result.
Mendeley Desktop remains available and maintained, but Elsevier’s development focus is on Mendeley Reference Manager, which is offered as both a desktop and a web application. Back up your library, read the migration guide, and test the new version before you switch your whole workflow.