Skip to Main Content

Endnote

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

Is EndNote for me?

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.

Download EndNote

EndNote is free for ACU staff and students. The latest version available to download is EndNote 25 for Windows and 25 for Mac. To get your copy for Windows or Mac:

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

Installing EndNote

Important notes before installing EndNote

  • Once downloaded, do not store your EndNote library in the cloud, including OneDrive and iCloud. Cloud storage will corrupt your EndNote library over time.  
  • 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.

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_25_full.exe file (select "More info" and then "Run anyway" if prompted by Windows).
  4. Follow the instructions to install.

Important: Where to save your EndNote library on Windows computers

  • To avoid corruption, EndNote libraries must be saved the computer's local hard drive, NOT to cloud syncing or network storage folders.
  • EndNote will typically save your EndNote library to the Documents folder, which may automatically sync to cloud storage.
  • We strongly recommend users create a separate folder in the C drive (local hard drive) and relocate your EndNote there.
  • To relocate your EndNote library, move both the .enl file and the associated .data file to the same location in the C drive.

Installing on Mac:

  1. Backup your EndNote Library (this is an important first step).
  2. Uninstall any previous versions of EndNote.
  3. Run the Endnote25.dmg file.
  4. Select Install EndNote 25.app.
  5. Follow the instructions to install.

Important: Where to save your EndNote library on MacOS computers

  • To avoid corruption, EndNote libraries must be saved the computer's local hard drive, NOT to cloud syncing or network storage folders.
  • EndNote will typically save your EndNote library to the Documents folder, which syncs to icloud.
  • We strongly recommend users create a separate folder in the Home folder and relocate your EndNote library there.
  • To relocate your EndNote library, move both the .enl file and the associated .data file to the same location in the Home folder.

 

Updating EndNote

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

  • Windows: Help > Check for Updates
  • Mac: EndNote 25 > Check for Updates

Check online for information on the latest releases of EndNote.