Using JabRef bibliographies in OpenOffice.org

JabRef can export your database in both the OpenOffice.org 1.1 .sxc spreadsheet format, and the OpenDocument .ods spreadsheet format used by OpenOffice.org 2.0.

In both cases the exported spreadsheet will contain one data sheet, listing entries in rows and the various fields in columns. The order and names of the columns is set to be compatible with OpenOffice.org's bibliography functions (OOo 1.1 in the case of the .sxc export, and OOo 2.0 in the case of the .ods format).

Using the exported file as bibliography database in OpenOffice 2.0 or newer

Use the following steps to set up a spreadsheet exported from JabRef as bibliography database in OpenOffice.org:

• Export your database using the .ods format
• Start OpenOffice.org
• Choose Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Base -> Databases
• Edit the Bibliography database, and change the name to something else, e.g. Bibliography-old (indeed, OpenOffice.orgWriter does not allow for several bibliographies)
• Close the Options window, and choose File -> New -> Database
• Choose Connect to an existing database, select Spreadsheet as the database type, and choose the .ods file you exported
• Click Finish, then choose the name Bibliography when prompted

Using the exported file as bibliography database in OpenOffice 1.1.x

• Export your database using the .sxc format
• Start OpenOffice.org
• Choose Tools -> Data sources
• Select the Bibliography database, and change its name to something else, e.g. Bibliography-old. Click Apply.
• Click New Data Source. A new entry will appear. Change its name to Bibliography.
• Change Database type to Spreadsheet. Click the ... button in the Data source URL line. Choose the .sxc file you exported.
• Click OK to close the Data Sources window.