Can I update multiple fields in a single command?

Yes, you can provide multiple field flags (e.g., both --title and --type) simultaneously to update several attributes of a single entry.

What happens if the entry ID is not found?

The skill will return an error message indicating the entry does not exist, ensuring you don't accidentally create new, incomplete entries.

Does this skill overwrite my original .bib file?

By default, the skill overwrites the input file to reflect changes, but you can use the --output flag to save the updated version to a different file.

How does the skill identify which entry to update?

The skill uses a required --id parameter which must match the unique citation key of the entry you wish to modify.

Is the formatting of my BibTeX file preserved?

Yes, the skill is designed to auto-detect and preserve the existing format of the bibliography file during the update process.

BibTeX Entry Updater

Name: BibTeX Entry Updater
Author: Mearman

byMearman

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Content Management

Modifies and updates existing bibliography entries by ID to maintain accurate citation and reference data.

About

The bib-update skill provides a streamlined way for Claude to modify specific bibliography entries within .bib files. It allows for targeted updates to fields such as titles and entry types while ensuring that the original file formatting is preserved and metadata remains consistent. This skill is particularly useful for researchers, academics, and developers who need to programmatically correct citation errors, update publication statuses, or refine reference libraries without the risk of manual editing mistakes.

Key Features

Precise ID-based entry targeting
Automatic file format preservation
Option for in-place file updates or separate output generation
2 GitHub stars
Support for updating titles, entry types, and custom fields
Validation logic to ensure entries exist before modification

Use Cases

Correcting metadata typos in academic citations
Updating a 'misc' entry type to 'article' or 'book' post-publication
Bulk-updating bibliography fields during literature review refinement

About

Key Features

Precise ID-based entry targeting
Automatic file format preservation
Option for in-place file updates or separate output generation
2 GitHub stars
Support for updating titles, entry types, and custom fields
Validation logic to ensure entries exist before modification

Use Cases

Correcting metadata typos in academic citations
Updating a 'misc' entry type to 'article' or 'book' post-publication
Bulk-updating bibliography fields during literature review refinement