Consistent casing in fieldnames

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -126,6 +126,7 @@ Note that this project **does not** adhere to [Semantic Versioning](https://semv
 - We fixed an issue with double display of the library filename in the tab tooltip in the case of a changed library. [#13781](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/pull/13781)
 - When creating a library, if you drag a PDF file containing only a single column, the dialog will now automatically close. [#13262](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/13262)
 - We fixed an issue where the tab showing the fulltext search results would appear blank after switching libraries. [#13241](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/13241)
+- We fixed an issue where field names were inconsistently capitalized. [#10590](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/10590)
 - We fixed an issue where "Copy to" was enabled even if no other library was opened. [#13280](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/pull/13280)
 - We fixed an issue where the groups were still displayed after closing all libraries. [#13382](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/13382)
 - Enhanced field selection logic in the Merge Entries dialog when fetching from DOI to prefer valid years and entry types. [#12549](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/12549)

docs/decisions/0049-hardcode-fieldnames.md

@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+---
+title: Hardcode `StandardField` names and use exact or customized names otherwise
+nav_order: 49
+parent: Decision Records
+status: accepted
+date: 2025-09-13
+---
+<!-- markdownlint-disable-next-line MD025 -->
+# Hardcode `StandardField` names and use exact or customized names otherwise (disallow customization of `StandardField`s)
+
+## Context and Problem Statement
+
+JabRef allows users to define custom fields and customizing `StandardField`s with arbitrary names and arbitrary casing. Users reported inconsistent casing of field names across the tabs in the details panes of the entry editor (Required/Optional/Other fields), within saved BibTeX files and preferences.
+Fields were partially forced to show in UI with a capital first letter by a UI method inside the `Field` model.
+A argument was made in issue [#116](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/116) about how to case the field names in the `.bib` file. It was then decided to always lowercase the field names, as BibTeX itself is case-insensitive in that matter, but convention in bibtex style is to lowercase it.
+There were complains, that this inconsistency [confuses users](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/10590) and makes it impossible to achieve a predictable, uniform presentation between UI and persisted data, especially when dealing with customized fields.
+
+How should JabRef consistently determine the casing for field names in UI and persistence for both built‑in and custom fields?
+
+## Decision Drivers
+
+* Consistent user experience across all UI locations
+* Predictable persistence and round‑trip stability (UI ↔ preferences ↔ `.bib`)
+* Backward compatibility with existing libraries and preferences
+* Internationalization (i18n) and localization concerns for built‑in fields
+* Minimal complexity added to parsing/serialization logic
+* Avoid breaking community conventions for BibTeX/BibLaTeX (lowercase keys in files)
+* Avoid mixed casing rules per UI location
+* Minimize changes to bib files
+* Respect the choice of the user for casing of custom fields
+
+## Considered Options
+
+* Hardcode `StandardField` names and use exact or customized names otherwise (disallow customization of `StandardField`s)
+* Make all field names (including `StandardField`s) fully user‑configurable for display casing across UI and persistence
+* Normalize all field names to lowercase everywhere (UI, preferences, `.bib`)
+* Normalize all field names to title case in UI and in preferences; lowercase in `.bib`
+
+## Decision Outcome
+
+Chosen option: "Hardcode `StandardField` names and use exact or customized names otherwise," because
+
+* Aligns with community conventions (lowercase keys in `.bib`), ensuring compatibility.
+* Provides a consistent and localized UI for built‑ins by using canonical, hardcoded display labels.
+* Respects users’ expectations for custom fields by preserving the casing they define everywhere in the UI and in preferences.
+* Minimizes behavioral surprises and avoids mixed casing rules per UI location.
+
+## Pros and Cons of the Options
+
+<!-- markdownlint-disable-next-line MD024 -->
+### Hardcode `StandardField` names and use exact or customized names otherwise (disallow customization of `StandardField`s)
+
+<!-- markdownlint-disable-next-line MD004 -->>
+- For the build-in types (`StandardField`), the display names are hard-coded. Users cannot customize this. Optional/required can still be customized.
+<!-- markdownlint-disable-next-line MD004 -->>
+- Preserve exact user/customized names for non‑standard fields
+<!-- markdownlint-disable-next-line MD004 -->>
+- Serialize as customized (and lower-case as standard) to `.bib` file
+
+* Good, because round‑trip: UI labels ↔ preferences ↔ UI remain stable.
+* Good, because built‑in labels can be localized predictably (title case or localized form).
+* Good, because consistent casing across entry editor tabs.
+* Good, because matches BibTeX convention for stored keys.
+* Good, because supports localization of displaying of `StandardField` names.
+* Good, because `.bib` files keep canonical lowercase keys in the default case. This matches common BibTeX/BibLaTeX practice.
+* Good, because decouples model (internal key) from UI (display label).
+* Bad, because users cannot change casing of built‑in field display names by using the entry customization.
+* Bad, because perceived as inconsistent at [#10590](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/10590).
+* Bad, because requires a clear separation of internal key vs. display label, which slightly increases conceptual complexity.
+* Bad, because migration needs to ensure older preferences do not inadvertently force lowercasing of custom fields in UI.
+
+### Make all fields fully user‑configurable
+
+This is option "Hardcode `StandardField` names and use exact or customized names otherwise (disallow customization of `StandardField`s)" with allowing customization of `StandardField`s.
+
+* Good, because provides maximum flexibility for users: Users can change casing of built‑in field display names by using the entry customization.
+* Good, because perceived as consistent at [#10590](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/10590).
+* Bad, because increases settings complexity and risk of inconsistent UI and preferences.
+* Bad, because harder to localize built‑ins; can lead to team‑specific divergences.
+
+### Normalize all field names to lowercase everywhere (UI, preferences, `.bib`)
+
+* Good, because simplest to implement; fully consistent.
+* Bad, because Poor UX; clashes with common expectations for UI labels.
+* Bad, because Undermines localization and readability.
+
+### Normalize all field names to title case in UI and in preferences; lowercase in `.bib`
+
+* Good, because UI looks consistent and readable.
+* Bad, because ignores user intent for custom fields’ casing (less flexibility).
+* Bad, because preferences may mask underlying canonical keys, complicating tooling.

jabgui/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/cleanup/CleanupPresetPanel.java

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 import org.jabref.logic.cleanup.FieldFormatterCleanups;
 import org.jabref.logic.l10n.Localization;
 import org.jabref.model.database.BibDatabaseContext;
+import org.jabref.model.entry.field.FieldTextMapper;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.StandardField;
 
 import com.airhacks.afterburner.views.ViewLoader;
@@ -65,7 +66,7 @@ private void init(CleanupPreferences cleanupPreferences, FilePreferences filePre
 
         cleanUpRenamePDFonlyRelativePaths.disableProperty().bind(cleanUpRenamePDF.selectedProperty().not());
 
-        cleanUpUpgradeExternalLinks.setText(Localization.lang("Upgrade external PDF/PS links to use the '%0' field.", StandardField.FILE.getDisplayName()));
+        cleanUpUpgradeExternalLinks.setText(Localization.lang("Upgrade external PDF/PS links to use the '%0' field.", FieldTextMapper.getDisplayName(StandardField.FILE)));
 
         String currentPattern = Localization.lang("Filename format pattern (from preferences)")
                                             .concat(filePreferences.getFileNamePattern());

jabgui/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/commonfxcontrols/FieldFormatterCleanupsPanel.java

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 import org.jabref.logic.cleanup.Formatter;
 import org.jabref.logic.l10n.Localization;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.Field;
+import org.jabref.model.entry.field.FieldTextMapper;
 
 import com.airhacks.afterburner.views.ViewLoader;
 import jakarta.inject.Inject;
@@ -63,7 +64,7 @@ private void setupTable() {
 
         fieldColumn.setCellValueFactory(cellData -> new ReadOnlyObjectWrapper<>(cellData.getValue().getField()));
         new ValueTableCellFactory<FieldFormatterCleanup, Field>()
-                .withText(Field::getDisplayName)
+                .withText(FieldTextMapper::getDisplayName)
                 .install(fieldColumn);
 
         formatterColumn.setCellValueFactory(cellData -> new ReadOnlyObjectWrapper<>(cellData.getValue().getFormatter()));
@@ -73,9 +74,9 @@ private void setupTable() {
 
         actionsColumn.setCellValueFactory(cellData -> new ReadOnlyObjectWrapper<>(cellData.getValue().getField()));
         new ValueTableCellFactory<FieldFormatterCleanup, Field>()
-                .withGraphic(field -> IconTheme.JabRefIcons.DELETE_ENTRY.getGraphicNode())
-                .withTooltip(field -> Localization.lang("Remove formatter for %0", field.getDisplayName()))
-                .withOnMouseClickedEvent(item -> event -> viewModel.removeCleanup(cleanupsList.getSelectionModel().getSelectedItem()))
+                .withGraphic(_ -> IconTheme.JabRefIcons.DELETE_ENTRY.getGraphicNode())
+                .withTooltip(field -> Localization.lang("Remove formatter for %0", FieldTextMapper.getDisplayName(field)))
+                .withOnMouseClickedEvent(_ -> _ -> viewModel.removeCleanup(cleanupsList.getSelectionModel().getSelectedItem()))
                 .install(actionsColumn);
 
         viewModel.selectedCleanupProperty().setValue(cleanupsList.getSelectionModel());
@@ -89,7 +90,7 @@ private void setupTable() {
 
     private void setupCombos() {
         new ViewModelListCellFactory<Field>()
-                .withText(Field::getDisplayName)
+                .withText(FieldTextMapper::getDisplayName)
                 .install(addableFields);
         addableFields.setConverter(FieldsUtil.FIELD_STRING_CONVERTER);
         addableFields.setOnKeyPressed(event -> {

jabgui/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/commonfxcontrols/FieldFormatterCleanupsPanelViewModel.java

@@ -20,13 +20,14 @@
 import org.jabref.logic.formatter.Formatters;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.Field;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.FieldFactory;
+import org.jabref.model.entry.field.FieldTextMapper;
 
 public class FieldFormatterCleanupsPanelViewModel {
 
     private final BooleanProperty cleanupsDisableProperty = new SimpleBooleanProperty();
     private final ListProperty<FieldFormatterCleanup> cleanupsListProperty = new SimpleListProperty<>(FXCollections.observableArrayList());
     private final ObjectProperty<SelectionModel<FieldFormatterCleanup>> selectedCleanupProperty = new SimpleObjectProperty<>(new NoSelectionModel<>());
-    private final ListProperty<Field> availableFieldsProperty = new SimpleListProperty<>(new SortedList<>(FXCollections.observableArrayList(FieldFactory.getCommonFields()), Comparator.comparing(Field::getDisplayName)));
+    private final ListProperty<Field> availableFieldsProperty = new SimpleListProperty<>(new SortedList<>(FXCollections.observableArrayList(FieldFactory.getCommonFields()), Comparator.comparing(FieldTextMapper::getDisplayName)));
     private final ObjectProperty<Field> selectedFieldProperty = new SimpleObjectProperty<>();
     private final ListProperty<Formatter> availableFormattersProperty = new SimpleListProperty<>(new SortedList<>(FXCollections.observableArrayList(Formatters.getAll()), Comparator.comparing(Formatter::getName)));
     private final ObjectProperty<Formatter> selectedFormatterProperty = new SimpleObjectProperty<>();

jabgui/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/consistency/ConsistencyCheckDialog.java

@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@
 import org.jabref.model.entry.BibEntryTypesManager;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.Field;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.FieldFactory;
+import org.jabref.model.entry.field.FieldTextMapper;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.SpecialField;
 
 import com.airhacks.afterburner.views.ViewLoader;
@@ -172,7 +173,7 @@ protected void updateItem(String item, boolean empty) {
                      .forEach(this::removeColumnWithUniformValue);
 
         Arrays.stream(SpecialField.values())
-              .map(SpecialField::getDisplayName)
+              .map(FieldTextMapper::getDisplayName)
               .forEach(this::removeColumnByTitle);
     }
 

jabgui/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/consistency/ConsistencyCheckDialogViewModel.java

@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@
 import org.jabref.model.entry.BibEntryTypesManager;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.BibField;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.Field;
+import org.jabref.model.entry.field.FieldTextMapper;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.types.EntryType;
 
 import org.jooq.lambda.Unchecked;
@@ -93,7 +94,7 @@ public List<String> getColumnNames() {
         List<String> result = new ArrayList<>(allReportedFields.size() + 2); // there are two extra columns
         result.add("Entry Type");
         result.add("CitationKey");
-        allReportedFields.forEach(field -> result.add(field.getDisplayName().trim()));
+        allReportedFields.forEach(field -> result.add(FieldTextMapper.getDisplayName(field).trim()));
         return result;
     }
 

jabgui/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/fieldeditors/CitationCountEditor.java

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
 import org.jabref.logic.util.TaskExecutor;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.BibEntry;
 import org.jabref.model.entry.field.Field;
+import org.jabref.model.entry.field.FieldTextMapper;
 
 import com.airhacks.afterburner.injection.Injector;
 import com.airhacks.afterburner.views.ViewLoader;
@@ -58,7 +59,7 @@ public CitationCountEditor(Field field,
         textField.textProperty().bindBidirectional(viewModel.textProperty());
 
         fetchCitationCountButton.setTooltip(
-                new Tooltip(Localization.lang("Look up %0", field.getDisplayName())));
+                new Tooltip(Localization.lang("Look up %0", FieldTextMapper.getDisplayName(field))));
         textField.initContextMenu(new DefaultMenu(textField), preferences.getKeyBindingRepository());
         new EditorValidator(preferences).configureValidation(viewModel.getFieldValidator().getValidationStatus(), textField);
     }