RIS File Extension
Research Information Systems Citation Format
- File Type ris
- Developer Research Information Systems
- Popularity
- Application EndNote
- Category Text Files
- Format Text
What is a RIS file?
Files with the RIS extension are specifically tied to Research Information Systems Citation Format, a Text Files type, and there are 315 files in this category.
RIS file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS, as well as mobile devices running Apple iOS. To open a RIS file, you can choose from 11 programs such as Atom, Sublime Text and BibDesk.
MIME types
- application/x-research-info-systems
Programs that support RIS files
Apple iOS
Online Services
How to open a RIS file?
If you cannot open a RIS file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
Thanks to their popularity, Atom, Sublime Text and BibDesk are often the go-to programs for managing RIS files. If you need the newest version of EndNote, just access the Thomson Reuters website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.
Once EndNote is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening RIS files.
Make EndNote the default RIS viewer
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired RIS file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for EndNote. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.
Change a default app in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your RIS file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose EndNote as the application to associate with your RIS file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Finding answers to RIS file problems
If RIS files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.
What can lead to sudden EndNote crashes?
Insufficient updates for Thomson Reuters products can cause EndNote to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged RIS file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged RIS file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged text files.
What are the ways to check if my RIS file is damaged?
Characteristics of corrupted RIS text files can include:
- The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
- Editing the archive in Sublime Text is hampered by poor overall performance;
- The file causes EndNote or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
- An unexplained increase in the size of the RIS file;
- Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;
How to edit a RIS file?
To modify RIS files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit text files. Online RIS editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Research Information Systems Citation Format.
Best RIS editors 2026
According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available RIS editors.
| RIS Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notepad++ | Notepad++ Team | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| Sublime Text | Sublime HQ Pty | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.9 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
| EndNote | Thomson Reuters | Mac OS, Windows, Apple iOS | 4.6 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| Atom | - | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.5 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Wandora | Grip | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (46 reviews) |
| BibDesk | BibDdesk Team | Mac OS | 4.4 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| PSPad | Jan Fiala | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (45 reviews) |
Convert files to and from RIS
If handling a RIS file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as PDF, TEX, BIBTEX, ENW, EN or other supported types.
After converting a RIS file, some capabilities may be limited, but you can often convert it back to the original format.