There is no limit to the number of references you can add to an EndNote Library. It is important that you keep all the references you cite in a paper or thesis in one Library.
Each EndNote Library consists of a library file (with the extension .enl) and an associated Data folder (with the extension .data). It is vital that you regularly back-up your Library files.
We recommend you store your EndNote Library files in one of these locations:
Note: You may be prompted to "Select a Reference Library" when downloading files or working with Word documents that contain EndNote citations. It is important that you know where your Library has been saved so that you can navigate to the folder to select it.
Use Spotlight to search for EndNote 20
To create a new library from within EndNote:
Your blank EndNote Library should open:
1. To open an existing Library
Go to File > Open… [choose the Library] or
launch your Library from where you saved it eg your desktop.
EndNote provides a sample Library (Sample_Library_20) for you to practice on.
To navigate to the Sample Library:
Go to Applications > EndNote 20 > Examples > Sample_Library_20.enx.
3. To close a library
Go to File > Close Library or
click the red X at the top left corner of EndNote Library window.
EndNote allows you to organise your references into Groups or Group Sets. Groups are displayed in the Navigation Panel on the left.
1. Create a Group:
2. Add references to your group/s:
If you wish to sync your Library with EndNote Online, then it is worth prefixing your group names with part of their group set name.
EndNote Online does not display group sets. It retains the information if you sync your Library with another desktop version of EndNote, but they won't display on screen. On EndNote Online your groups will appear alphabetically. To make them to appear in their usual group you will need to prefix each group with the group set name.
EndNote desktop | EndNote online |
It is imperative you back up your Library regularly so it can be easily recovered should it, or your PC, become corrupt.
Method 1
Method 2
You could back up by using:
Q: Can I create more than one Library?
A: Yes…
However, we recommend you only have one Library and organise your references into groups.
This is because merging Libraries can get tricky.
Q: Can I add a reference to more than one group?
A: Yes. You are adding a 'copy' of the reference.
Q: How do I delete a reference from one of my groups, but not from the Library altogether?
A: Highlight the reference, then click on the menu item Groups > "Remove References From Group".
Q: If I delete a reference from my main Library, will it be deleted from my group/s?
A: Yes. This is because you are deleting the main reference.
Q: Can I use a cloud storage eg. Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive, SharePoint, to back up or store my Library so that I can access it anywhere?
A: We strongly advise you avoid using cloud storage such as DropBox to backup or store your EndNote Library. If you wish to access your Library anywhere, set up EndNote Online.
Macquarie's Librarians have encountered a number of users with corrupt EndNote libraries caused by the use of Dropbox.