BIB File Extension

What is BIB file?

The BibTeX Bibliography Database file is a text format file that is normally created by a software known as LaTeX. The file represents the formatting of a text file that includes bibliographies of different sources such as books and articles. It is usually written in Pascal/WEB. A typical BibTeX file would include the name of the author, title of the source, and the name or location of the official publisher. These files can be opened through different programs used on Linux, Windows, and Mac but are most widely used on LaTeX programs such as MikTeX and TeXworks. 

Programs which support BIB file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support BIB files. BIB files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/24/2020

How to open file with BIB extension?

Problems with accessing BIB may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with BIB files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install JabRef

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening BIB files is that no program that can handle BIB files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select JabRef or one of the recommended programs (for example, BibDesk, WibTeX, RefTeX) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support BIB files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading JabRef installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of JabRef

If you already have JabRef installed on your systems and BIB files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of JabRef installed, it may not support BIB format. The most recent version of JabRef is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate BibTeX Bibliography Database files with JabRef

If you have the latest version of JabRef installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage BIB on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the BIB file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the JabRef installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open BIB files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with BIB extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select JabRef and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with BIB extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the BIB is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper BIB file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the BIB in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the BIB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the BIB file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic BIB file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with BIB extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the BibTeX Bibliography Database file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open JabRef

If the systems has insufficient resources to open BIB files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with BibTeX Bibliography Database file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with BIB files affecting older versions of given software.

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