Duplicate Merging During Import
When importing files such as RIS or BIB into Papers, you have the option to automatically merge duplicate articles during the import process.
![Duplicate merging import option Preview of duplicate merging option available during import](https://www.papersapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/duplicate-merging-import-duplicates.png)
Turning on duplicate merging can be helpful if you know you want to remove duplicates. Note that doing so means the number of items you import into a library/list may not match the number of records in your BIB/RIS file, as merged items will be removed.
To ensure all of the items in your RIS/BIB file are imported into your library/list every time, you may disable duplicate merging. You can also manually merge duplicates at a later time if you choose to disable the option during import.
You can change the default behavior for duplicate merging during drag and drop operations in the desktop application in Papers Settings:
![Desktop application default duplicate merging settings View of default behavior settings for duplicate merging during drag-and-drop in desktop application](https://www.papersapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/papers-desktop-duplicate-merging-draganddrop-import-1024x641.png)