Citation

Citations: The Lightweight, Open-Source Alternative for Researchers on Linux

Hazem Abbas

Mar 24, 2025 — 3 min read

Table of Content

If you’re a researcher or academic who’s tired of wrestling with bloated citation management tools, meet Citations —a sleek, open-source app designed to simplify your bibliographic needs.

Developed by Maximiliano Sandoval, this lightweight powerhouse is the perfect solution for managing citations and bibliographies using the BibTeX format, all while keeping things fast, efficient, and completely free.

Say Goodbye to Overpriced Citation Managers: Meet Citations!

Why Citations Stands Out for Linux Users

For Linux enthusiasts, finding a native tool that doesn’t compromise on functionality is like hitting the jackpot. Citations isn’t just another app—it’s a streamlined, intuitive solution built specifically for researchers who need reliability without the bloat.

And since it integrates seamlessly with GNOME, it feels right at home on your desktop. No more juggling proprietary software or dealing with compatibility issues—just smooth sailing from start to finish.

Streamline Your Research with Citations: The Open-Source Alternative

Key Features

BibTeX Support : Citations is deeply integrated with the BibTeX format, making it an ideal choice for academics who rely on LaTeX for their publications.
Lightweight and Fast : Unlike many commercial alternatives that feel like they’re dragging your system down, Citations is lightning-fast and incredibly lightweight. It loads quickly, runs smoothly, and won’t slow you down—even when managing large bibliographies.
User-Friendly Interface : The app boasts a clean, modern design that makes organizing citations a breeze. You can easily add, edit, and delete entries, and the search functionality ensures you can find what you need in seconds.
Comprehensive Citation Management : With Citations, you can manage everything from books and journal articles to conference proceedings and online resources. Each entry includes fields for authors, titles, years, DOIs, publishers, and more, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Open Source and Free : As an open-source alternative, Citations offers transparency and flexibility. You don’t have to worry about subscription fees or hidden costs. Plus, being open source means you can contribute to its development or customize it to fit your specific needs.
Seamless Integration with GNOME : If you’re a Linux user running GNOME, Citations fits perfectly into your workflow. Its native integration ensures a seamless experience, from drag-and-drop functionality to consistent theming.
Export and Share : Once your bibliography is complete, Citations lets you export your BibTeX files effortlessly. Whether you’re collaborating with colleagues or submitting work to journals, sharing your references is a breeze.

How Citations Benefits Researchers

For researchers, managing citations can be a tedious task—but it doesn’t have to be. Citations takes the pain out of bibliographic management by offering a simple, efficient solution that works exactly how you need it to. Whether you’re working on a small project or a massive literature review, Citations keeps your references organized and accessible.

And because it’s open source, you’re not locked into a proprietary ecosystem. You can use it alongside other tools, customize it as needed, and even contribute improvements to help make it better for everyone.