There are many advantages to citing while you're writing (as opposed to adding all the references after you've finished your paper).

• You'll be less likely to forget to cite sources (so a lower chance to accidentally plagiarise).
• You'll remember where to put the sources.
• It's also easier to find the sources when you're writing than weeks or months after you've written that particular part of your paper.
• Reference software like Mendeley also makes it easier to adjust the citation style or to edit references.

Mendeley Cite

First, you need to install the Mendeley Cite plugin:

• Open Mendeley Desktop.
• Go to Tools > Install Mendeley Cite for Microsoft Word.

Footnotes

Once the plugin's been installed, you can start citing while you write.

• Open your article in a local Word file.
• Place the cursor where the footnote needs to be.
• Go to References > Mendeley Cite. The tile will have the Mendeley logo on it.
• Select the desired source in the side bar.
• Click 'Insert citation'.

Bibliography

Mendeley won't automatically generate a bibliography at the end of your document. To insert your bibliography, follow these steps:

• Open your article in a local Word file.
• Place the cursor where you want to add your bibliography.
• Go to References > Mendeley Cite.
• In the side bar, click the three dots, then click 'Insert Bibliography'.

Any changes in order of citations, deleted or added citations, as well as a change in citation style will be automatically updated in your bibliography.