Beginner's Guide

Preface

We want ivySCI to be intuitive, so you don't have to learn complex literature management (unlike tools like Endnote, which might even need a dedicated course!). Even after years of work, we know there's room to improve—so this guide helps you start quickly.

We hope this guide lets you dive straight into your research journey.

Differences from Other Literature Management Software

  1. No steep learning curve (unlike Endnote/Zotero)

Don't overcomplicate it! Download ivySCI and start reading and writing immediately. No need for a perfect workflow—just read and jot down ideas to get started. Explore advanced features as you go.

  1. ivySCI's Philosophy: Read first, organize later

We prioritize time spent on literature (reading, digesting) over organizing it. You don't need to be a bibliographer or management expert—just engage with your research and record thoughts.

  1. Cloud Synchronization

Download the Mobile/tablet app and desktop application. Use the same account to sync data across all your devices. Read on your phone, manage/write on your computer—everything works seamlessly. Don’t force tasks onto a tiny phone screen, use the right device for each job.

Writing Add-in

Install the Microsoft Word add-in (WPS is also supported).

Follow the step guide on the add-on page to set it up in Word.

Citing literature requires understanding citation styles (e.g., journals, dissertations, books may format differently). You can visit our Citation Format page to learn these basics.

For add-in usage, you should be good to go after watching our beginner video.

Help and Support

  1. 24-hour AI Support

    Press Ctrl+H in the desktop app for instant AI help. Our AI is trained on our help docs, covering most common issues and helping you troubleshoot quickly.

  2. Help Documentation

    Visit help.ivysci.com and use the top-right search bar to find answers. Start with the FAQ section—it’s your go-to for common problems.

  3. Human Customer Service

    For non-urgent issues, submit requests via our feedback page (expect a response time). For urgent cases (e.g., data loss, lost account access), check the AI for priority support contacts or direct assistance options. Always search help docs first—human support is limited.

  4. Read the Research Guide

    Review our Research Guide to optimize your workflow and avoid common academic pitfalls. It’s designed to streamline your research process and save time.

    But the guide is mainly in Chinese, we're working on translating it into English.

Best of luck with your work!