Endnote

EndNote bibliographic software is useful for:

• researchers and higher degree students who need to manage a large number of references for a research project, literature review, systematic review or thesis
• researchers writing journal articles who need to submit a manuscript that conforms to a special journal or publisher style
• students who need to manage a large number of references for a major research project (such as a systematic review) or thesis.

Students who need help with referencing should consult our referencing guide and the range of academic integrity and referencing resources available via the Academic Skills Unit.

Which reference management tool is best for me?

Use this table to compare some key features of EndNote Desktop, Mendeley Reference Manager, and Zotero.

EndNote is free for ACU staff and students. The latest version available to download is EndNote 21 for Windows and 21 for Mac. To get your copy for Windows or Mac:

• download EndNote to your computer (for students)

• download Endnote to your computer (for staff).

Important notice - Before using EndNote X9.3 to 21:

1. Backup your EndNote library - especially before you install a version between X9.3 to 21, but you should also do this regularly whenever using EndNote.
2. Uninstall all old versions of EndNote (X9.2 and below).
3. Once you have started using any version from X9.3 to 21, do not use older versions of EndNote (X9.2 and below) - doing so will delete your EndNote data. 

If you are having a problem downloading EndNote, contact the Library for help.

Before installing EndNote, you should check if the software is designed to run on your computer. We also recommend that you have a compatible version of Microsoft Word pre-installed beforehand.

Installing on Windows:

1. Backup your EndNote Library (this is an important first step).
2. Uninstall any previous versions of EndNote.
3. Run the Endnote_21_full.exe file (select "More info" and then "Run anyway" if prompted by Windows).
4. Follow the instructions to install.
5. Allow EndNote to convert any existing library and files to the new 64-bit format.
6. To restore EndNote sync functionality after creating a converted library:
   1. make sure the converted .enl file and .data folder are saved to the same folder as your original EndNote .enl and.data folder
   2. once the new library is converted and working, quit EndNote.
   3. delete your original .enl file and .data folder (or move these to another location if you wish to be cautious)
   4. rename the converted .enl and .data folder to the exact names of your original versions.
7. Do not use your converted EndNote library and files with older versions of EndNote (X9.2 and below) - this will delete your EndNote data.

Installing on Mac:

1. Backup your EndNote Library (this is an important first step).
2. Uninstall any previous versions of EndNote.
3. Run the Endnote21.dmg file.
4. Select Install EndNote 21.app.
5. Follow the instructions to install.
6. Allow EndNote to convert any existing library and files to the new 64-bit format.
7. To restore EndNote sync functionality after creating a converted library:
   1. make sure the converted .enl file and .data folder are saved to the same folder as your original EndNote .enl and.data folder
   2. once the new library is converted and working, quit EndNote
   3. delete your original .enl file and .data folder (or move these to another location if you wish to be cautious)
   4. rename the converted .enl and .data folder to the exact names of your original versions.
8. Do not use your converted EndNote library and files with older versions of EndNote (X9.2 and below) - this will delete your EndNote data.

Check if your version of EndNote is up to date from the EndNote menu:

• Windows: Help > Check for Updates
• Mac: EndNote 21 > Check for Updates

Check online for information on the latest releases of EndNote.