Skip to Main Content

EndNote: Using EndNote with Library Databases

Help!

  • How do I get APA 7th on EndNote X9?
    • EndNote versions after X9.3 come with APA 7th. For prior versions, please refer to either Powerpoint guide for accessing APA 7th in EndNote.
    • EndNote 20 comes with APA 7th edition by default.
  • Does EndNote work with Google Docs/Sheets?
    • No, EndNote does not work with anything outside of Microsoft Word/PowerPoint/Excel.
  • It says my EndNote is out of date. Where do I go to update it?
    • You can find update information at this link.
  • Can I share my library?
    • Yes, you can! Please refer to the EndNote Sharing and Backing Up Guide for offline file sharing.
    • -OR-
    • You can setup up a free Clarivate account to get started with cloud storage/online file sharing.
  • Does EndNote add PDFs automatically?
    • No, EndNote does not add PDF files automatically. You will have to manually attach each file. However, it is recommended you do not do this as it may slow down EndNote after a certain amount of PDFs are attached. For information on attaching PDF files, check out the EndNote PDF Guide.
  • Can I put my EndNote library on personal cloud storage, like iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive?
    • Yes, you can put your EndNote library on the cloud but it will greatly increase the risk of corrupting the library. It is highly recommended you keep the library on your local hard drive.
  • Wow! EndNote is amazing! Has it always been around?
    • Yes, EndNote has been around since 1995.

EndNote for Mac

Common Issues for EndNote 20 for Mac:

  • EndNote 20 Tab not showing in Microsoft Word
    • Make sure that the newest version of Microsoft Word is installed on your Mac. To check for this go to Help Check for Updates.
    • Make sure that the Cite While You Write add-on is working. Go to EndNote and go to EndNote 20 Customizer. Make sure Cite While You Write is installed.
  • EndNote 20 not working in Microsoft Word
    • Make sure that Automation is enabled for EndNote20. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy Automation.
    • You should see the following:
      • EndNote 20 with a checkbox for Microsoft Word.
      • Microsoft Word with a checkbox for EndNote 20.
  • Microsoft Word asks me to login to a EndNote Online
    • Press Cancel until you can get to the EndNote tab in Microsoft Word.
    • Select Preferences Application > Select EndNote (it will have EndNote Online selected, which is causing the error).
  • I need to submit a manuscript without EndNote formatting
    • Please make sure to save a backup copy of your manuscript before doing this!
    • In your manuscript's Microsoft Word document, go to the EndNote X9 tab. Go to Tools and select Convert to Plain Text. You cannot undo this and the document will no longer allow for EndNote's automatic in-text citations and bibliography formatting
  • How do I know if my Mac is an M1 Mac (or newer)?
    • Follow the directions on this page to check your Mac's version.

Common Issues for EndNote X9 for Mac:

  • EndNote X9 Tab not showing in Microsoft Word
    • Make sure that the newest version of Microsoft Word is installed on your Mac. To check for this go to Help Check for Updates.
    • Make sure that the Cite While You Write add-on is working. Go to EndNote and go to EndNote X9 Customizer. Make sure Cite While You Write is installed.
    • Check Cite While You Write Solution for a visual guide.
  • EndNote X9 not working in Microsoft Word
    • Make sure that Automation is enabled for EndNote X9. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy Automation.
    • You should see the following:
      • EndNote X9 with a checkbox for Microsoft Word.
      • Microsoft Word with a checkbox for EndNote X9.
    • Check Cite While You Write Solution for a visual guide.
  • Microsoft Word asks me to login to a EndNote Online
    • Press Cancel until you can get to the EndNote tab in Microsoft Word.
    • Select Preferences Application > Select EndNote (it will have EndNote Online selected, which is causing the error).
    • Check EndNote Online Error for a visual guide.
  • I need to submit a manuscript without EndNote formatting
    • Please make sure to save a backup copy of your manuscript before doing this!
    • In your manuscript's Microsoft Word document, go to the EndNote X9 tab. Go to Tools and select Convert to Plain Text. You cannot undo this and the document will no longer allow for EndNote's automatic in-text citations and bibliography formatting
  • How do I know if my Mac is an M1 Mac?
    • Follow the directions on this page to check your Mac's version.

EndNote for Windows

Common Issues for EndNote 20 for Windows:

  • EndNote 20 Tab not showing in Microsoft Word
    • Make sure that the newest version of Microsoft Word is installed on your PC. To check for this, go to File Account Update Options.
  • I need to submit a manuscript without EndNote formatting
    • Please make sure to save a backup copy of your manuscript before doing this!
    • In your manuscript's Microsoft Word document, go to the EndNote 20 tab. Select Convert Citations and Bibliography and then Convert to Plain Text. This cannot be undone and the document will no longer allow for EndNote's automatic in-text citations and bibliography formatting.
  • Microsoft Word asks me to login to a EndNote Online
    • Press Cancel until you can get to the EndNote tab in Microsoft Word.
    • Select Preferences Application > Select EndNote (it will have EndNote Online selected, which is causing the error).
  • My files are not importing into EndNote 20
    • Make sure that EndNote is the only citation manager installed. If you are using Zotero, Mendley, or Refworks, it may be prioritized and all your references will end up in those citation managers. Be sure the default application for .ris, .enw, .nbib files is EndNote.

Common Issues for EndNote X9 for Windows:

  • EndNote X9 Tab not showing in Microsoft Word
    • Make sure that the newest version of Microsoft Word is installed on your PC. To check for this, go to File Account Update Options.
  • I need to submit a manuscript without EndNote formatting
    • Please make sure to save a backup copy of your manuscript before doing this!
    • In your manuscript's Microsoft Word document, go to the EndNote X9 tab. Select Convert Citations and Bibliography and then Convert to Plain Text. This cannot be undone and the document will no longer allow for EndNote's automatic in-text citations and bibliography formatting.
  • Microsoft Word asks me to login to a EndNote Online
    • Press Cancel until you can get to the EndNote tab in Microsoft Word.
    • Select Preferences Application > Select EndNote (it will have EndNote Online selected, which is causing the error).
    • Check EndNote Online Error for a visual guide.
  • My files are not importing into EndNote X9
    • Make sure that EndNote is the only citation manager installed. If you are using Zotero, Mendley, or Refworks, it will be prioritized and all your references will end up in those citation managers.