Mendeley's Word plugin streamlines research writing, but glitches can disrupt your workflow. This step-by-step guide offers practical solutions to common Mendeley plugin problems within Microsoft Word. From troubleshooting installation errors to resolving citation and formatting issues, we'll help you regain seamless integration and focus on your writing. Say goodbye to frustrating plugin bugs and hello to efficient research management.
Methods: Installing Mendeley Plugin via Mendeley Desktop
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Open Mendeley Desktop
- Open Mendeley Desktop.
Open Mendeley Desktop -
Install the Word Plugin
- Go to 'Tools' and select 'Install Microsoft Word plugin'.
Install the Word Plugin -
Close and Reopen Microsoft Word
- Ensure Microsoft Word is closed.
- Open Microsoft Word; the plugin should now be installed in the 'References' section.
Close and Reopen Microsoft Word
Methods: Manually Installing Mendeley Plugin for Word 2016
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Completely Close Word
- Close Microsoft Word completely (from the top menu, not the dock).
Completely Close Word -
Locate and Copy Mendeley Plugin
- Open Finder, go to Applications, locate Mendeley, right-click, and select 'Show Package Contents'.
- Navigate to 'Contents/Resources/MacWordPlugins'. Copy the 'Word 2016' plugin.
Locate and Copy Mendeley Plugin -
Paste Plugin into Startup Folder
- Open the 'Startup' folder (search for it in Finder).
- Paste the copied plugin into the 'Startup' folder.
Paste Plugin into Startup Folder -
Verify Plugin Installation
- Open Microsoft Word; the plugin should now appear in the 'References' section.
Verify Plugin Installation
Methods: Adding Mendeley Plugin via Microsoft Word Add-ins
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Check for Mendeley Plugin in Word Add-ins
- In Microsoft Word, go to 'Insert' then 'My Add-ins'.
- Look for 'Mendeley Cite-While-You-Write'; if found, select 'Add'.
Check for Mendeley Plugin in Word Add-ins
Methods: Using Mendeley Cite-While-You-Write Add-in
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Installing Mendeley Cite-While-You-Write Add-in
- In Microsoft Word, go to 'Insert' then 'Get Add-ins'.
- Search for 'Mendeley Cite-While-You-Write' and select 'Add'.
- Log in with your Mendeley credentials. If sources aren't visible, go to Mendeley, select 'File' then 'Synchronize Library'.
Installing Mendeley Cite-While-You-Write Add-in -
Using Mendeley Cite-While-You-Write
- Choose your citation style, insert citations using the 'References' tab, and insert bibliography.
Using Mendeley Cite-While-You-Write
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Incorrect Mendeley Installation or Configuration
Reason: The Mendeley plugin might not be properly installed or integrated with Microsoft Word, leading to functionality issues or errors.
Solution: Reinstall Mendeley and ensure that the Word plugin is correctly enabled during the installation process.
2. Conflicting Software or Add-ins
Reason: Other add-ins or software installed on your computer might interfere with the Mendeley plugin's operation, causing crashes or unexpected behavior.
Solution: Temporarily disable other Word add-ins and restart Word to check for conflicts.
FAQs
My Mendeley Cite-o-matic plugin isn't showing up in Word. What should I do?
First, ensure Mendeley Desktop is open and properly connected to your Word. Check if the plugin is enabled in Word's Add-ins (File > Options > Add-ins > Manage: COM Add-ins > Go). If it's not listed, you may need to reinstall Mendeley or repair your Word installation.
I'm getting an error message when trying to insert a citation or bibliography. How can I fix it?
Error messages often indicate a problem with your Mendeley library sync or a conflict with other Word add-ins. Try restarting both Word and Mendeley Desktop. Check your Mendeley library for any corrupted files. If the issue persists, try temporarily disabling other add-ins to see if there's a conflict.
My citations or bibliography are not displaying correctly in my Word document. What's wrong?
This could be due to several reasons: Incorrect citation style selected in Mendeley, outdated plugin, or corrupted document. Double-check your chosen citation style in Mendeley's preferences. Update the Mendeley plugin. If the issue continues, create a new Word document and try inserting your citations again. If the problem persists, consider checking your Mendeley Library for any potential issues with your entries.