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To create a bibliography in LaTeX with BibLaTeX, load the biblatex package, connect a .bib file with \addbibresource{...}, cite entries in the document, and print the reference list with \printbibliography. Use Biber as the bibliography processor unless your template explicitly requires another backend.
Quick answer: the modern setup is \usepackage[backend=biber]{biblatex}, \addbibresource{references.bib}, a citation such as \parencite{smith2024}, and \printbibliography.

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Minimal Working LaTeX Bibliography

Create main.tex: Create references.bib in the same directory:
references.bib
The key smith2024 connects the citation command in main.tex with the database entry in references.bib.

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BibLaTeX Build Order

When you compile locally, the usual sequence is:
  1. LaTeX
  2. Biber
  3. LaTeX
  4. LaTeX
The first LaTeX run creates the bibliography instructions, Biber processes the .bib data, and the final LaTeX runs resolve citations and references. Many editors automate this sequence, but the log still tells you whether Biber ran successfully.

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Common Citation Commands

Use multiple keys in one command when several sources support the same statement:

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Choose a Bibliography Style

Set the style in the package options: Common starting points are:
  • numeric for numbered citations such as [1].
  • authoryear for author-year citations.
  • alphabetic for compact labels derived from authors and years.
  • verbose for detailed note-based citations.
Journal and university templates may require a specific style or package. Follow the template when it conflicts with a general recommendation.

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Add More Than One Bibliography File

You can load multiple databases: Keep entry keys unique across all files. Splitting a database by source type or project chapter can help large teams, but one well-maintained file is simpler for small projects.

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Fix Missing Citations or an Empty Bibliography

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Citation shows as a question mark

Check that the citation key exactly matches the key in the .bib file, including capitalization. Then run the complete LaTeX–Biber–LaTeX–LaTeX sequence.

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\printbibliography is empty

By default, BibLaTeX prints cited entries. To include every database entry while debugging, add: Remove \nocite{*} if the final bibliography should contain only cited work.

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Biber cannot find the data source

Make sure the file name in \addbibresource{references.bib} matches the real file and includes the .bib extension. Also confirm that the editor is configured to run Biber rather than BibTeX.

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Special characters break an entry

Keep names in author = {Family, Given and Family, Given} form and protect capitalization that must be preserved:

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BibLaTeX or Traditional BibTeX?

Do not migrate a working journal template solely for consistency. The publisher’s build requirements are the governing constraint.

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Try a Bibliography in LaTeX Cloud Studio

Open a bibliography project

Create main.tex and references.bib, then compile the minimal example and inspect the build log if a citation is missing.

See the online LaTeX editor

Review the browser editor workflow before moving an existing bibliography project.