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Endnote

Manage your references and create in-text citations and bibliographies.

Storing your EndNote library

To prevent data loss or corruption the following tips should be followed:

  • Store (save) your EndNote Library on your computer’s hard drive, NOT to cloud syncing or network storage folders, or the cloud (iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox). The safest locations are the C drive on Windows computers and the Home folder on MacOS computers.
  • Your .enl file must be stored in the same location as the .Data file associated with your EndNote library. The .Data file contains the library's references and full-text .pdf files.
  • It is recommended that you only create and use one EndNote library.
  • Give your EndNote library a unique name , for example, Marsha_Chan_research.enl.

 

Important note for macOS users

MacOS versions 10.2 and above contain features that save the contents of the Desktop and Documents folder in iCloud. EndNote libraries stored in iCloud are subject to corruption over time. Clarivate recommend creating a separate folder in your Home folder. Save your EndNote library there. See the Clarivate EndNote Guide for more information. 

Back up and restore your EndNote library

It's important to backup your EndNote library regularly in case something goes wrong. Whether you are installing a newer version of EndNote or reinstalling on a new computer, it is important that you make a backup copy of your library:

  1. Go to the File menu and select Compressed Library (.enlx) …
  2. Select Create if you just want to save the file to your computer.
  3. Choose whether you want the backup copy to save your references with or without the file attachments (all file attachments is recommended).
  4. Choose whether you want to backup all the references in the library, selected references or groups of references (all references is recommended).
  5. Select Next, navigate to the folder where you want to save the file, and Save.
  6. A .enlx compressed file will be created. This file should only be used when you want to restore your EndNote library.

It is good practice to regularly backup your EndNote library this way. This will ensure you always have a current compressed version of your library. Each time you create a new compressed EndNote library, replace the older compressed .enlx file with the newly compressed .enlx file. You should have only ONE compressed EndNote library (.enlx) to avoid confusion as to which is the latest version.

To restore an EndNote library, go to the File menu, select Open… and choose your .enlx file.

EndNote on MacOS

Compatibility

Check EndNote compatibility with your operating system and hardware:

Importing references to EndNote

MacOS users may need to complete the following steps to enable export from databases and Google Scholar to EndNote:

  1. Go to the Downloads folder
  2. Control-click or right click on the exported file
  3. Select Get info
  4. Go to Open with
  5. Check the box for Always open with …

If EndNote does not appear in the list, select Other and search for EndNote. Once EndNote has been selected, click on Change all.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting common issues:

Exporting records to EndNote on MacOS

After installing EndNote, Mac users often need to configure their system to open downloaded files with EndNote.

After attempting to export records from a database or Google Scholar:

  • open Finder > Downloads
  • control-click or right click on the exported file you wish to open
  • select Get info
  • go to Open with… and choose EndNote.

If EndNote does not appear on the list, select Other and search for the EndNote application.

Once EndNote is selected, select Change all.

Further help

For further EndNote support from the Library: