Bookends

Name: Bookends
Rating: 4.7 (392 reviews)
Author: Sonny Software, LLC

By: Sonny Software, LLC

Reference management on the go

Features & Capabilities

Bookends is the reference management app you’ve been looking for. The basic version lets you search major sources directly—arXiv, Google Books, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Library of Congress, PubMed, PubMed Central, and Semantic Scholar—or use the built-in browser (EZProxy‑compliant) to download reference metadata and PDFs (access privileges required). Searches return up to 20 references, and only 50 references can be stored in your personal database. You can autofill references using DOI, PMID, ISBN, or arXiv ID, view the text of PDF annotations in a note stream, and create your own notes with a powerful PDF markup engine. A daily barcode scan is supported, along with other features to help you discover, organize, and use reference information.

Upgrading to Standard (one-time) removes search and import limits; Premium (annual) adds cloud sync across iOS devices and Bookends for Mac, library sharing, multiple libraries, unlimited barcode scanning, PDF annotation extraction with deep links, a convenient UI for PDF notes, and Shortcuts automation.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App Books Education

By:

Sonny Software, LLC

Rating:

4.70

(392)

Version:

5.0.4 Last updated: 2026-05-01

Version code:

885131365

Creation date:

2013-11-13

Compatible devices:

Size:

111.38MB

URLs:

Website ,Privacy policy

Full description:

Source:

Apple Apps Store

Data ingested on:

2026-06-03

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 86,487 ▼ 227

Other rankings

#78 in citation generator keyword 60 ▼ 50

For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Apple app. Please use these information below to contact the Apple app developer.

Developed by:

Sonny Software, LLC

Apple Apps Store

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bookends/id739087947

Website:

https://www.sonnysoftware.com

User Reviews

Bookends is praised as a powerful, cross‑platform reference manager with top‑notch PDF handling and annotation, especially on iPad with Apple Pencil, and strong developer support. Users cite reliable syncing across Mac, iPhone, and iPad and a robust feature set that suits scholarly workflows. However, recurring concerns include inconsistent iCloud/mobile syncing, a subscription/upgrade pricing model, and mobile limitations such as missing tags, nested folders, or browser-like tools. Some reviews describe an aging macOS UI and usability friction, plus occasional support/documentation issues. Overall, it’s highly capable but with notable drawbacks around sync reliability and price.

Pros

Strong cross-device syncing between Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Powerful PDF handling and annotation, with deep linking and Apple Pencil support.
Active maintenance and highly responsive developer support.
Comprehensive reference management features that fit scholarly workflows (multi‑window on iPad, metadata handling, and robust library organization).
Mature, well-regarded workflow that integrates well with macOS/iPadOS platforms.

Cons

Sync reliability issues across devices (iCloud delays and inconsistent syncing) that can disrupt workflow.
Pricing model concerns: upgrades/subscriptions required to retain access and to transfer or use features.
Mobile limitations: missing tags and nested folders, limited browser-like functionality, and overall UX gaps on iOS.
Mac UI is dated and the app sometimes feels not modern; lack of Mac App Store presence.
Occasional support/documentation issues and nagging prompts for ratings.

Recent reviews

This latest update has streamlined the functionality. I etnusiastically recommend without reservation. I’ve always relied on the mobile version. As the title states, love it even more!

by LR*****, 2026-04-15

If you don’t keep paying for the upgrades, you will lose access to your citation database. Be ready to keep upgrading to keep access.

by pe*****, 2026-03-06

Meeting a colleague for coffee and you know there is a perfect article or book, but can’t remember the title? Or made a new friend who you know you read their work but vague on the details? Stuck at the airport and looking for that existentialist text that describes your current situation? Bookends is your solution! Plus the guys who are behind the app are some of the most responsive app developers in the business!