Using EndNote

EndNote is a tool for acquiring, organizing and managing citations.

Using EndNote, you can keep track of all the papers you have read and automatically create in-text citations and works cited pages.

The Library provides instruction on how to export citations from databases into EndNote and how to use it to cite works.

For more information on using EndNote, contact:

• Nancy Schafer -- nschafer@odu.edu
• Karen Vaughan -- kvaughan@odu.edu
• Miriam Bridges -- mbridges@odu.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

updated 9/8/2010

Q: Can I convert a bibliography already in Word to an EndNote library?

A: from University of Missouri Library:

"At this time, Endnote cannot "read" citations from an existing bibliography in a text document created without Endnote.  BUT: you can use a free online service called Wizfolio to convert a pre-existing bibliography into an RIS-formatted file, which you can then import into Endnote. " See: Converting Bibliographies from Text to Endnote Using Wizfolio (right column)

Or... you can either 1) re-type the citations individually as new references; 2) copy and paste each citation into a new EndNote reference and then move the information into appropriate fields; 3) use WorldCat for books and a major database for articles and then re-find your references and download them into EndNote.

Q: I'm having trouble using Cite While You Write in Word 2010.

A: The problem is with EndNote version X3. Upgrading to X4 should solve the problem. From the EndNote website

EndNote X4 has been designed to be compatible with the 32 bit version of Word 2010. We do not currently have a version of EndNote compatible with the 64 bit version of Word 2010. Please register your software to be informed when a version compatible with Word 2010 64 bit is released.

Note: Microsoft recommends 32-bit Office 2010 for both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. Office 64-bit is optimized for advanced data analysis scenarios that most users don’t require, and existing 32-bit add-ins are not supported on Office 64-bit.

Q: I have a Mac. My browser doesn't seem to work with EndNote.

A: Mac users should use Firefox or Internet Explorer -- Safari is not compatible with EndNote.

When exporting citations from EBSCOhost databases, you'll need to click SAVE twice

Speaking of Mac... If you need instructions on using EndNote specifically with a Mac, try these instructions at St.Olaf College Libraries

Q:  If I save all my citations in EndNote, and then want to change to a new citation management program, will I lose everything?

A:  It depends on what citation program you change to. Most will provide ways to convert from one citation management program to another. For example, if you have been use RefWorks, there is a way to convert your citations from RefWorks to EndNote. Unfortunately there isn't a way to convert Reference Manager to EndNote.

Speaking of losing everything.... Always back up your data. If you lose your library, you will have to recreate it, and if you have been using EndNote to Cite While You Write in Word, you will not be able to recreate the library so that it matches the magic citations in Word. It is therefore important that you keep your library safe and backed up in multiple locations.

Q: How do I copy my library to use it at a different computer?   Are attachments saved with the citations?

A:  You will need to save the library (.enl file) and the .DATA directory which includes your attachments.

Q: How many files can I attach to one reference in my library?

A: You may attach up to 45 files per reference as long as these are pdf or image files. You may only attach 1 video or audio file per reference.

Q: Can I create forms for reference types that are not included in the EndNote program (e.g., interviews, standards)?

A:  Yes, you can do this from Edit/Preferences.  Select "Reference Types" and then one of the "Unused" types. You will need to look in your style manual to see which fields you need for the specific type of reference.

Q: How do I include the date accessed for articles from online databases (e.g., html from Academic Onefile) or from web sites?

A:  You can add the access date to many records at the same time by following these directions.Create a group for the citations you wish to change. Click on Tools > Change and Move Fields. Under Change Fields, select which field you want to alter using the drop down menu for the box In: e.g. Access Date. Enter the date that you viewed the articles in the text box on the right, then click on OK. All references in that group will be changed.

Q: How can I use Groups in EndNote?

A:  Create groups to view and manage subsets of references.  You can drag and drop references into groups just as you do with playlists of music.  Each EndNote library can have up to 500 groups for search results, file imports and reference transfers.

Q: Can you use EndNote in regular Google or just Google Scholar?

A: Only Google Scholar and Google Books have the option (in  Preferences) to directly export to EndNote.  You could manually enter the citation for a web site you found through Google.

Q: Can I install EndNote on multiple computers?

A: Yes, it can be installed on any computers you use. (If you purchase direct from EndNote, it can be installed on up to 3 computers.)

Q:  Is EndNote installed on lab or library computers on campus?

A:  It is not, at this point.  If/when it does get loaded through the network, you would still need to save your library to your flash drive. You would need to upload the library into the EndNote program on your own computer to use the “Cite as You Write” feature. 

Back to EndNote Page