Import Database Exports into ASReview
Use a compatible RIS or tabular file, preserve the title and abstract fields, and convert PubMed NBIB exports before creating your ASReview project.
ASReview-Compatible Formats
ASReview LAB accepts RIS, CSV, TSV, and XLSX. A tabular file needs at least a title or abstract column; providing both gives the model more text to work with.
Verify the current field and format requirements in the ASReview documentationChoose the Shortest Reliable Route
| Starting file | Recommended route | Check before import |
|---|---|---|
| RIS or tagged `.txt` | Import directly into ASReview | Titles and abstracts are present |
| CSV, TSV, or XLSX | Import directly with recognized column names | Use `title`, `abstract`, and UTF-8 encoding |
| PubMed `.nbib` | Open in Zotero or EndNote, then export RIS | The RIS export still contains abstracts |
| Database-specific CSV | Rename or map columns only when ASReview does not recognize them | At least one usable title or abstract per record |
Convert PubMed NBIB for ASReview
Export from PubMed
Choose PubMed format to download an `.nbib` file with the available citation metadata and abstracts.
Re-export as RIS
Import the NBIB file into Zotero or EndNote and export the collection as RIS. Avoid citation-only export styles.
Validate and import
Open a few RIS records in a text editor and confirm that title and abstract tags contain text before uploading the file to ASReview.
Need screenshots of the PubMed export controls? Follow the PubMed export guide.
Prepare a CSV for ASReview
Required content
- Use one paper per row.
- Include a `title` or `abstract` column, preferably both.
- Keep DOI, URL, authors, and keywords in separate columns when available.
- Save CSV files as UTF-8 and retain the header row.
Common import failures
- The export contains citations but no abstracts.
- Title and abstract use unrecognized source-specific headers.
- Rows are broken by an incorrect delimiter or encoding.
- The file contains an exported report instead of record-level data.
Prefer to Skip Format Conversion?
Lumina directly accepts common exports including RIS, PubMed NBIB, CSV, BibTeX, Web of Science tagged text, and EndNote files. Use this route when you need a screening workflow and do not specifically require ASReview.