Definition · Plain-language
Paperpile
Paperpile is a web-based commercial reference manager designed to integrate with Google Workspace, utilising Google Drive for PDF storage and offering a dedicated Google Docs add-on.
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Deep Integration with Google Workspace
Paperpile is designed specifically for researchers and students who rely on the Google Workspace ecosystem for writing and file storage. Instead of utilising proprietary cloud servers, Paperpile automatically synchronises and stores all PDF attachments in a dedicated folder within the user's Google Drive. This integration simplifies storage management and allows researchers to view, search, and share their PDFs using standard Google Drive sharing permissions. The web application uses secure Google authentication for fast logins. By leveraging Google's cloud infrastructure, Paperpile ensures that research documents are safe, searchable, and easily accessible from any device connected to the internet.
Google Docs and Microsoft Word Plugins
Paperpile offers one of the most reliable, fast, and user-friendly citation add-ons for Google Docs, addressing a common pain point for collaborative researchers. The add-on lets multiple co-authors insert citations from a shared Paperpile folder simultaneously without causing database conflicts or synchronisation delays. Beyond Google Docs, Paperpile supports Microsoft Word through a dedicated desktop integration app. This allows users to switch between writing environments while keeping their citations consistent and dynamically linked. The system automatically formats citations and bibliographies in thousands of styles, updating the entire document in real time as references are added or modified.
Fast PDF Import and Metadata Scraping
Operating as a Google Chrome extension, Paperpile can scrape citation data from academic websites with exceptional accuracy. It features one-click importing from search portals like PubMed, Google Scholar, arXiv, and publisher websites. When importing a citation, Paperpile searches for the open-access or institutionally licensed full-text PDF in the background, downloads the file, and renames it according to a user-configured pattern, such as Author-Year-Title. It then saves the organised PDF directly to Google Drive. This automated scraping pipeline saves hours of manual entry and ensures researchers maintain an organised, named PDF archive alongside their bibliographies.
Key facts
At a glance
- Paperpile is a commercial reference manager requiring a paid subscription (with student discounts).
- It is designed for Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers, with mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- It stores and organises PDF files directly inside the user's personal or institutional Google Drive.
- Its Google Docs integration supports real-time collaborative writing with multiple authors.
- It automatically updates and corrects citation metadata using DOIs and PubMed IDs.
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: Paperpile is a free tool because it runs in Chrome and Google Drive.
Actually: Paperpile requires a monthly paid subscription, though it offers a free trial and affordable pricing plans for students and academic researchers.
Often heard: Paperpile is only usable on Chromebooks or in Chrome.
Actually: While optimised for Chrome, Paperpile offers a standalone web app, mobile applications, and Safari and Edge extension support to accommodate different devices.
Often heard: Using Paperpile will use up all your Google Drive storage.
Actually: References take up negligible space, and PDFs are stored in your Google Drive; if you have academic or institutional Google storage, it usually provides ample space.
Common questions
FAQ
How does Paperpile handle collaboration in Google Docs?+
Paperpile allows multiple authors to edit a Google Doc and insert citations from their individual libraries or shared folders. The final bibliography compiles all citations, even if authors don't share a single Paperpile account.
Can I import RIS or BibTeX files into Paperpile?+
Yes, Paperpile supports importing library files from other reference managers in RIS, BibTeX, PDF, and EndNote XML formats, enabling easy migration.
How does Paperpile rename imported PDFs?+
Paperpile features customisable renaming patterns in its settings. You can specify fields like author, year, journal, and title to automatically rename PDFs upon download, keeping files organised.
Going deeper
