A switch to a different kind of reference management software is one of several possible reasons to export your references. When you export your references, you create a small file that you can import again in another type of software. With the free Mendeley Desktop version, you can only export your entire library. It does not transfer Collections or Groups you may have made.

To do this, follow these steps:

• Open Mendeley Desktop
• Click 'File' > 'Export All'
• Select the format type you need. RIS is compatible with most reference software.
• Save it somewhere you can easily import it to your new software.