Customizing entry types

When customizing an entry type, you both define how its entry editor should look, and what it takes for JabRef to consider an entry complete. You can both make changes to the existing entry types, and define new ones.

Using the entry customization dialog

In the dialog's upper left is a combo box where you can select one of the current entry types. All custom types, either new types or redefined standard ones, are displayed with an asterisk (*) behind their names.

Selecting an entry type merely updates the dialog to show its set of required and optional fields, to give you a template for customization. You can then proceed to change both the definition and the name of the entry type before storing. If the name written in the Name text field is different from the selected item in the combo box, the Name field takes precedence when you click Store or Delete

You can delete a customized entry type by selecting it and clicking the Delete button; if the deleted definition redefined a standard type, the standard definition will be restored. You are not allowed to delete standard entry types.

Note that there is no undo when creating, changing and deleting entry type definitions.

When selecting one of the standard types from the combo box, the syntax for defining required and optional fields should become obvious; the field names are simply written in your preferred order, separated by semicolons. Either of the Required fields and Optional fields text boxes can be empty, if no fields fit into the category. The fields listed do not have to be standard fields known by JabRef.

Redefining standard entry types

If you store an entry definition with an identical name to one of the standard types, the custom type will override the standard one. You can use this to redefine the order in which fields appear in the editor, add new fields that you use, remove fields you have no interest in, and even move all fields into the Required fields panel to avoid having to switch when editing entries. There is one limitation to customizing entry types; certain types have an and/or condition in their required fields. For instance, a book entry is complete with either the author or the editor field, or both. This type of condition cannot be represented in a customized entry. If you delete a customized version of a standard entry type, the standard definition will be reinstated.