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EndNote

Use EndNote to format bibliographies and in-text citations in papers.

Transfer from EndNote to EndNote

Earlier versions of EndNote, or to save a backup copy:

  1. Go to the place on your computer where your EndNote library is saved.
  2. Go to File > Compressed Library; this compresses the .enl and .data files together
    1. You can include full text items to be attached (depending on the size of your EndNote library)
  3. Email a copy or save the COMPRESSED library to OneDrive, flash drive, etc.

Import an EndNote library into another EndNote library

  1. In your main EndNote Library, go to File > Import > File
  2. Select the EndNote library file (.enl or .enlx) you want to import (purple icon)
  3. Import Filter: EndNote Library
  4. Click Import

Transfer References from Other Citation Management Systems

It is possible to move your entire library of references, groups/folders, or just one or two records to or from EndNote. Most citation management systems and databases use the universal .ris format. Imports to and exports from EndNote are generally quick. Some things to consider:

  • If you have attached PDF files to your references, these PDFs will not automatically move with your references.
  • If you have customized field names, you may find some mismatched fields. 
  • Your customized output styles will need to be recreated in EndNote or Zotero.

From Any Citation Management System or Database

  1. Export citations in .ris format. 
  2. Go to EndNote, go to File > Import File
  3. In the Import File box, select the text file by clicking on the Choose... button.
  4. In the drop-down menu for Import Option, choose Other Filters and select the import filter called Reference Manager (RIS).
  5. Click the Import button and your references will be imported into your library. Sort citations into Groups as needed.