How to install Mendeley Desktop in Ubuntu 20.04

Introduction

Mendeley is a widely utilized reference manager and academic social network that assists researchers in managing their academic papers and collaborating with others. For those running Ubuntu 20.04, installing Mendeley Desktop can significantly streamline your research process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through installation steps while providing additional insights into its features, troubleshooting tips, and benefits, ensuring you reap the full advantages of this robust tool.

Understanding Mendeley

Before delving into installation, it’s essential to grasp what Mendeley offers. This software acts as a bibliography manager, allowing users to organize their research, generate citations in various styles, and collaborate seamlessly with peers. Mendeley’s online platform also facilitates easier sharing of research findings and connecting with other scholars.

Key Features of Mendeley Desktop

1. Reference Management: Mendeley allows users to import, manage, and organize references conveniently, making it easy to keep track of various sources.

2. Citation Generation: With Mendeley, you can automatically generate citations and bibliographies in different formats (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) with just a few clicks.

3. PDF Annotation: The software features an integrated PDF reader, enabling users to annotate documents directly within the application—helping streamline the review process.

4. collaboration tools: Mendeley makes it easy to share papers and collaborate in groups, which is particularly beneficial for academic teamwork.

5. cloud storage: Users benefit from cloud synchronization, ensuring that their documents and references are accessible from any device with an internet connection.

With such a vast array of features, it’s no wonder that Mendeley has become a staple for researchers around the globe.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before beginning the installation process, ensure that your system meets the following prerequisites:

• Operating System: You must be running Ubuntu 20.04. Although Mendeley might work on other versions, installation steps and compatibility might vary.

• Software Dependencies: Mendeley requires certain packages that are commonly included with Ubuntu, but you may need to update your system or install specific dependencies.

• Internet Connection: Mandatory for downloading the installation file and for syncing your libraries with the Mendeley cloud.

Installation Process

There are multiple methods to install Mendeley Desktop on Ubuntu 20.04. Below, we’ll discuss the two most common approaches: using the command line interface and the graphical user interface.

Method 1: Installing via Command Line Interface

Utilizing the terminal can expedite the installation process. Here are the steps:

1. Open Terminal: You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in the Ubuntu dashboard or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Update Your System: It’s always a good practice to ensure your packages are up to date. Run the following command:

   bash
   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

3. Download the Mendeley Installer: You can download the .deb installer directly from the official Mendeley website. Use the wget command for this:

   bash
   wget https://downloads.mendeley.com/repository/desktop/installer/mendeleydesktop-1.19.8-ubuntu-20.04-amd64.deb

   (Note: Ensure that you are downloading the latest version by checking the Mendeley website.)

4. Install Dependencies: Before installing Mendeley, ensure that all necessary dependencies are installed. You can run:

   bash
   sudo apt install libjpeg8 libgtk2.0-0 libgconf-2-4

5. Install Mendeley: With the installer downloaded, you can now install it by running the following command:

   bash
   sudo dpkg -i mendeleydesktop-1.19.8-ubuntu-20.04-amd64.deb

6. Fix Any Dependency Issues: If you encounter any issues related to missing packages, run:

   bash
   sudo apt install -f

7. Launch Mendeley: Once the installation is complete, you can launch Mendeley from the terminal by typing mendeleydesktop, or find it in your applications menu.

Method 2: Installing via Graphical User Interface

If you prefer a more visual approach, you can install Mendeley using Ubuntu Software Center. Follow these steps:

1. Open Ubuntu Software Center: Find the “Ubuntu Software” icon in your applications and click to launch it.

2. Search for Mendeley: Use the search bar located at the top right corner to search for “Mendeley.”

3. Select Mendeley Desktop: Click on the Mendeley Desktop entry in the results, and then click on the “Install” button.

4. Authenticate: You may be prompted to enter your password to authorize the installation.

5. Wait for Installation: The software manager will download and install Mendeley automatically. Once completed, you can launch it from your application menu.

Configuring Mendeley for Optimal Use

Upon launching Mendeley for the first time, you’ll be guided through a setup wizard that helps in configuring your account and library. Here are a few tips to optimize your Mendeley experience:

1. Create an Account: Although you can use Mendeley without creating an account, registering enables cloud syncing and access to collaborative features.

2. Importing Papers: You can easily import papers by dragging and dropping PDFs into Mendeley’s interface or using the “Add Document” option. You can also import directly from online databases with the help of the Mendeley Web Importer.

3. Organize Your Library: Utilize folders and tags to keep your library organized. This makes it easier to find relevant papers when you need them.

4. Citations Word Plugin: Mendeley offers a Word plugin that allows you to insert citations and create bibliographies while writing. Install this feature to enhance your writing workflow.

5. Status Updates and Notifications: Always keep an eye on any notifications regarding your papers or group activities, ensuring you stay updated with your ongoing research.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing and using Mendeley Desktop, you may encounter some issues. Below are a few common problems and troubleshooting tips:

• Installation Fails: Error messages related to dependencies often arise. Ensure that you’ve installed all required libraries and dependencies. Running the sudo apt install -f command can resolve most issues.

• Mendeley Won’t Start: If Mendeley fails to launch, try running it through the terminal to check for error messages. This information can be helpful for resolving specific issues.

• Sync Problems: If you experience issues with syncing your library, verify your internet connection. Additionally, check if the Mendeley server is operational by visiting their status page online.

Conclusion

Installing Mendeley on Ubuntu 20.04 is a straightforward process, whether you prefer command-line methods or graphical interfaces. By leveraging its robust features, researchers can significantly improve their productivity while managing references and collaborating with peers. Follow our detailed guide, and you’ll be up and running with Mendeley in no time.

FAQ

1. Is Mendeley free to use?
Yes, Mendeley Desktop is free to download and use; however, there are limits on the amount of online storage available with the free account.

2. Can I use Mendeley on other operating systems?
Yes, Mendeley is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions, including Ubuntu.

3. Does Mendeley support collaboration with other users?
Absolutely! Mendeley allows you to create groups for collaboration, where you can share papers and reference libraries.

4. How do I integrate Mendeley with Microsoft Word?
After installing Mendeley, you can download the Word plugin from Mendeley’s desktop settings, which allows you to easily add citations and bibliographies into your documents.

5. What should I do if Mendeley runs slowly?
If you experience performance issues, consider reducing the number of open PDFs, ensuring that your device meets system requirements, or checking for updates.

6. Can I sync my Mendeley library on multiple devices?
Yes, if you create an account and use the cloud sync feature, your library will sync across all devices where you have Mendeley installed.