How to use literature management tools to automatically generate references?

Literature management tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote automatically generate references by extracting bibliographic metadata from sources and formatting citations according to specific style guides (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). This process replaces manual reference creation. Essential requirements include installing the tool and its browser connector or import plugin. The tool must correctly capture source metadata (author, title, year, etc.) during import from databases, websites, or PDFs, either through direct export, identifier lookup (DOI, ISBN), or manual entry. Users must select the correct citation style and maintain a well-organized library. Tools integrate with word processors (MS Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice) via dedicated plugins to insert and format in-text citations and bibliographies dynamically during writing. To implement, first install a reference manager and the corresponding word processor plugin. Import references into your library via browser connector, database exports, or manual entry. While writing, use the plugin within your word processor to insert in-text citations where needed. The tool automatically constructs the bibliography/reference list at the document's end, formatted per the chosen style. This eliminates manual formatting errors and saves significant time during academic writing, ensuring consistent citation accuracy.