diff --git a/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/preferences/FileTab.java b/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/preferences/FileTab.java
index 55e599e67ae..3bbc387f130 100644
--- a/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/preferences/FileTab.java
+++ b/src/main/java/org/jabref/gui/preferences/FileTab.java
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ public void storeSettings() {
         }
 
         String newline;
-        switch (newlineSeparator.getPromptText()) {
+        switch (newlineSeparator.getValue()) {
             case "CR":
                 newline = "\r";
                 break;