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I want to use RefWorks or other tools

Bringing RefWorks into your documents

RefWorks has Add-ins for Microsoft Word and other word processors, such as Google Docs, that allow you to include citations from your RefWorks account into a document. The Add-ins can then generate and update a reference list or bibliography to match your citations. 

Which Add-ins you can use depends on your computer equipment and software.  

Write-N-Cite users: Convert your documents now

ProQuest will end support for Write-N-Cite by the end of 2024. 

If you have created documents using Write-N-Cite, you need to update your documents to RefWorks Citation Manager as soon as possible

ProQuest will be removing the option to convert a Write-N-Cite document into a RefWorks Citation Manager (RCM) document in early 2025.

Follow these steps to convert your document to RCM:

  1. Install the RefWorks Citation Manager add-in. (Follow the instructions below).
  2. Make sure you have a back up of your document before converting it with RefWorks Citation Manager.
  3. Disable Track Changes in Word before converting your document.
  4. Open your document from the desktop version of Word and login to RefWorks Citation Manager.  
  5. Follow any guidance, as you will be prompted to upgrade the document.
  6. Save your document using a new filename when the conversion is complete.

More information, including explanations of potential errors in the conversion process, can be found on the WnC to RCM Migration FAQ webpage.

Please note:

  • The conversion process is unavailable in Word Online.
  • You cannot go back to use Write n Cite, when you have converted a document.
  • Citations in tables and figures are not included when you convert a document, you will need to update these separately.
  • If you are working on a shared document, other members of the group will need to install RefWorks Citation Manager.

RefWorks Citation Manager

Installing RefWorks Citation Manager (RCM)   

Add-ins are tools that can be added to Microsoft Word through the Get Add-ins option in an open Word document.  Depending on your device or your version of Microsoft Office you will find Get Add-ins in different places in Microsoft Word. 

Finding the Get Add-ins option in a Word document

Try one of these options in the Word ribbon menu:

  • Click on File >> Get Add-ins
  • Click on Home >> Add-ins >> get Add-ins
  • Click on Insert >> Get Add-ins

Students and staff logged into Office 365 with your Hallam account:

  • Word Store will be disabled.   Click On ADMIN-MANAGED (above the message that Word Store is not available).
  • Click on RefWorks Citation Manager and select Add at the bottom of the screen.

Students and staff who have personal access to Microsoft Word.

  • In the Word Store, search for RefWorks.
  • Click on RefWorks Citation Manager and select Add at the bottom of the screen.

Submitting and sharing your work after using RefWorks Citation Manager for Word

RefWorks Citation Manager (RCM) works by adding field-codes or Content Control to your Word document.  Field-codes ensure that citations and references in your document match information in your ProQuest Refworks account.  

It is a good idea to remove field-codes before submitting your work for assessment or publication.  Ensure you have a back-up copy and only do this as a final step when preparing your work for submission.  Once you have removed field-codes you cannot update citations or your reference list using RCM. 

Advantages of removing field-codes:

  • Makes it easier to make final proofreading corrections to your references.  For example correcting the capitalisation of names in titles in APA 7. 
  • Avoids possible conflicts between field-codes and Blackboard submission processes.
  • May be required when submitting work for publication. 

How to remove Field-Codes after using RCM: 

  • Make sure your work is complete and make a back-up copy of your Word document. 
  • Select all content in your document.  Windows: Ctrl+a.  Mac: Cmd+a.
  • Right click on selected content.
  • Click on 'Remove Content Control'

If you have problems right clicking with a Mac this information may be helpful:

Add-ons for Google Docs

Google Docs has its own ProQuest RefWorks Add-on which works in a similar way to the to the Word Add-ins.  You can save Google Docs as Word documents for submission.  

Instructions for installing RefWorks Add-on

  • Open  a blank Google Doc
  • Click on Add-ons >> Get Add-ons
  • Search for ProQuest RefWorks
  • Click on the RefWorks Add-on to see full description
  • Click on Install

To create a Word document  for submission:

  • Click on File >> Download and select Microsoft Word (.docx)
  • Allow time to check the Word version before submitting. 

Google Docs does not have all the features available in Word but in many cases these can be added through further Add-ons.   For example if you you need to add captions to tables or images in your document, there is a choice of Add-ons to enable you to do this. 


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