# BibTeX vs RIS for NotebookLM sources

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/bibtex-vs-ris  
Section: Compare  
Last verified: November 2026

Both carry a NotebookLM source list into a reference manager. BibTeX is the native format of LaTeX and Overleaf and is read by Zotero, JabRef and Paperpile. RIS is the common exchange format for Zotero, Mendeley and EndNote. Choose BibTeX if you write in LaTeX, RIS otherwise.

## Side by side

|  | BibTeX (.bib) | RIS (.ris) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Best for | LaTeX, Overleaf, JabRef | EndNote, Mendeley, Zotero |
| Used directly in a document | Yes, with LaTeX | No, import first |
| EndNote import | Needs an import filter | Direct |
| Readable by a person | Yes | Yes, tagged lines |

## Which to choose

- Choose **BibTeX (.bib)** if your manuscript is in LaTeX or you manage references in JabRef.
- Choose **RIS (.ris)** if you use Word with EndNote, Mendeley or Zotero.

## Frequently asked questions

### BibTeX (.bib) or RIS (.ris): which is better?

Neither in general. Choose BibTeX (.bib) if your manuscript is in LaTeX or you manage references in JabRef. Choose RIS (.ris) if you use Word with EndNote, Mendeley or Zotero.

### Will entries be complete?

No. NotebookLM does not expose authors or dates, so entries carry title, link and access date. Complete them in the reference manager.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM sources to BibTeX](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-bibtex)
- [Export NotebookLM sources to RIS](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-ris)
- [NotebookLM to Zotero: source lists as BibTeX or RIS](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/integrations/notebooklm-to-zotero)
- [OPML vs FreeMind for NotebookLM mind maps](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/opml-vs-freemind)
- [PNG vs SVG for a NotebookLM mind map image](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/png-vs-svg-mind-map)
- [CSV vs TSV for NotebookLM data tables](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/csv-vs-tsv)