LibGuides: EndNote for Health Sciences & Medicine: Library Creation

EndNote Libraries

An EndNote library is a database of references you create.

Tips:

Create a new library for each project or paper.
Make its file name something that represents the paper or project so you can find it easily.
Create folders and subfolders to help organize the project even more!
References from other projects and papers won't get in the way.

How do you create a new library?

Click on Create a New Library or go to File >> New. Decide where you want your library to be saved and give it a unique name that will help you remember the importance of the library (e.g., DHYG440_OralPathologyPaper.enl). Click Save.

There are two components for every EndNote library you create:

.enl file - The EndNote Library. You click on this file to open the library in EndNote.
.data folder - Contains the structural information and attached materials (e.g., .pdfs, images, etc.).

The .data folder and the .enl file must be kept together in the same directory! Do not lose the .data folder.

NOTE: EndNote files should be saved on your computer or a remote drive. EndNote products are not designed for compatibility with cloud storage services (e.g., Dropbox, SharePoint, OneDrive, Box Sync, Google Drive, and iCloud).

How do I transport my EndNote library (e.g., transport between computers or e-mail)?

To transport, or send, your library you need to compress it. To compress an EndNote library:

Open the library that needs to be compressed.
Go to File.
Choose Compress Library (.enlx) ...

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Follow the instructions and save the compressed library. Note, if the library is big and has a lot of attachments it may take longer to compress. Do NOT close the program before the library is finished compressing.

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How do I open a compressed file (.enlx)?

To open your compressed file on another computer (or a compressed file someone sent to you):

Download the compressed file to your hard drive.
Double-click the downloaded .enlx file or .enl file. Or, you can use File >> Import >>Import EndNote Library

If you have made changes and will need to transfer it back to your other computer, you will need to back up the library to your hard drive and then repeat the process by creating a new compressed version of the library, with a new file name, to transfer back to the first computer. Do NOT overwrite the previous version.

If you have made changes and will need to transfer it back to your other computer, you will need to back up the library to your hard drive and then repeat the process by creating a new compressed version of the library with a new file name, to transfer back to the first computer. Do NOT overwrite the previous version.

There are some things to be aware of if you choose to transport references using a compressed library:

Libraries that exceed 4GB or contain 65,535 files cannot be compressed by EndNote.
There is always the potential for file corruption when transporting a library using this method, therefore, make sure you have a backup of your library before making a compressed library.
If you currently use Cite While You Write (CWYW) on any documents, be aware that this process may cause mismatched references.
If you are sharing a compressed library with another person they will not have access to any new references or updates unless you continually share copies of your compressed library with them.

If your library is larger than 4GB or 65,535 files you will need to create a copy of your library since you will not be able to use the compressed library function.

In EndNote, click File >> Save a copy.
Give your copy a unique name.
A new .enl file and .data folder will be created with the unique name. Make sure they are kept together.
Compress the files in the file folder by right clicking and selecting the compress option.
Transfer the compressed files to another computer.