Linking Files to References

Citavi lets you link as many files as you want to a reference. The files can be saved locally on your computer, on a network share or server, or online.

hmtoggle_plus1 Linking a File to a Reference

  1. In the Reference Editor to the Reference tab.
  2. If you have a copy of the file on your own computer or local network, click the Local file field. In the Open dialog, choose the file you want to link. You now have three options:
    1. If you want to leave the file in its original location, but want a copy in your Citavi project folder, select Copy into the Citavi project. The link to the copied file will be displayed in Citavi.
    2. If you want to move the file from its original location to your Citavi project folder, select Move into the Citavi project. The link to the original, moved file will be displayed in Citavi.
    3. If you want to leave the file in its original location and do not want a copy in your Citavi project folder, select Link the file, but don't move it. (If the file is on the same drive as your Citavi project, we recommend using relative paths.)
  3. If you choose to copy or move the file, Citavi may ask you to give the file a new name. Citavi uses the short title of the reference. For example, if your file is named chapter1.pdf, the copy might be saved as Miller 2010 - Evidence-based guidelines.pdf. This is a simple way to apply meaningful file names. See also: Renaming PDF files.

hmtoggle_plus1 Adding a Folder to a Reference

If you want to add multiple files from one folder to a reference, you can link the entire folder to the reference.

  1. In the Reference Editor switch to the Reference tab.
  2. Click Local file. Select Local folder.
  3. Select the folder.

hmtoggle_plus1 Adding an Internet Address to a Reference

  1. In the Reference Editor switch to the Reference tab.
  2. Click Internet address.
  3. Type the address, for example: http://www.citavi.com.

hmtoggle_plus1 Recognizing the Location of a Linked File

You can easily see where a linked file is saved. Citavi labels each linked file with the location type.

  • [Citavi] = the linked file is in the CitaviFiles folder
  • [LAN] = the linked file is on a network share or server
  • [Lokal] = the linked file is on your computer, but not in the CitaviFiles folder
  • [Web] = the linked file can be found online

hmtoggle_plus1 Opening Linked Files

  • To view a linked file, click the file name to highlight it. Then, in the Preview pane, click Show in preview pane.
  • To edit a linked file, double-click the file name and then click Open.

hmtoggle_plus1 Deleting a Link

To delete a link, click it and then click Delete (icon_delete).

If you delete a link to a local file or if you delete an entire reference, the linked file is moved to the RecycleBin in the CitaviFiles folder. You can then retrieve files from this folder later on if you need them after all.