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EndNote Essentials

Information on how to use many of the tools and features in EndNote, a tool that can help you store and organize citation information and format bibliographies and papers.

What is the .DATA folder?

EndNote calls each collection of citations a Library. Each Library consists of 2 files, both of which are required. When you create an EndNote Library, a .ENL file with the same name as your Library, plus a .DATA folder are created. The .DATA folder is where all images, figures, etc. are stored. If you move your library to a different computer (or disc), or are going to share it, don't forget to move/share the .DATA folder as well.

How can I share my EndNote Library?

There are two ways to share a library. The first is to use the Share feature. This can allow people to edit the same library. 

  1. In EndNote, under the File menu, select Share.
  2. Enter the email address of the person(s) you would like to share with
  3. Select whether you want them to have Read & Write or Read Only access. 

 

There is also a built-in tool in EndNote that will create for you a single file called a 'compressed library' that you can e-mail to others.

  1. In EndNote, under the File menu, select Compress Library....
  2. Save your new compressed file to the Desktop, or somewhere you can find it. It will have the extension .enlx.
  3. You can e-mail this new .enlx file alone. When your recipient opens the file, their copy of EndNote will re-create the original EndNote Library and corresponding .DATA folder.

After you open a compressed library, be aware that EndNote has created a new library file and .DATA folder. Any changes you make will not be made in the .enlx file, but the newly created library file. It is highly recommended that you delete the .enlx file as soon as you open it with EndNote to avoid confusion.

If you want to send the library back, compress it with the steps above and send that new .enlx file.

How do I sync across devices?

You can sync your EndNote library across different computers and the web version. There is also an app for iOS, but no Android equivalent. 

  1. In EndNote navigate to Library on the Toolbar and select Sync.
  2. It will prompt you to log in, use the same email and password on your online EndNote account.

Note: When a library is synced the contents are the same, but the record numbers are different. You need to open each document that has EndNote citations in it and run the "Update Citations and Bibliography" command, so EndNote updates the document to associate the references with the records in your library. 

If you are using a word processor that does not support Cite While You Write and/or your library only contains temporary citations, you should transfer your library using the Compress Library method described above. 

How do I back up my EndNote Library?

EndNote stores all the changes you make as you are working. However, like any other important document, it is always a good idea to make a back up copy of your Library in case something happens to your computer or storage device.

When you back up your EndNote Library, make sure you also remember to also back up the corresponding DATA folder. You can back up your EndNote Library by using the "Save a Copy" command from the "File" menu to save a copy of your Library to the storage media of your choice (CD, USB drive, etc.).

Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025 1:57 PM
Subjects: How-to