Using EndNote for your literature references


Summary

Information about the reference manager EndNote, including instruction materials and support.

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What is EndNote? 

EndNote is a reference management tool that helps you organise your literature in one place and easily cite and reference sources in your academic work. The current version of EndNote is EndNote 2025.  

How to obtain EndNote 2025? 

WUR staff and students have access to EndNote free of charge. You can download EndNote on your private computer and/or WUR computers and laptops.  

  • Students can download the software through the WUR App store.
  • Staff with a WUR laptop or computer can download the software through the WUR Software centre. You can find the WUR Software Centre via the Windows “Start” button.  
  • Staff with a private laptop or computer can download the installation package for Windows or Mac. The version you can currently download is 25.1.  

How to register for EndNote online? 

You first need to create an EndNote online account. 

EndNote online is convenient when you want to work collaboratively with others or when you want to access your reference library anywhere. EndNote online does not require you to install the desktop version of EndNote to use it; however, it does not offer all the elaborate functionalities of the desktop version. We recommend using it in combination with EndNote desktop; you can synchronise your references between your EndNote desktop library and your EndNote online account.   

Instruction material 

Clarivate develops its own training materials for EndNote. On its website, you can find a complete libguide as well as video tutorials and recorded webinars.   

The training materials from Clarivate cover the following topics: 

How to set up your EndNote library

Tips from WUR Library: 

  • Make sure you save your EndNote library to your physical hard disk to avoid data corruption.
  • There are no limits to the number of libraries you can make. Keep in mind that you can only sync one library to your EndNote online account. This is why we recommend having only one main library.  

 

How to add references to your library (manually, export from bibliographic databases or search engines, from PDFs or from online searches).

Libguide Adding references to your library

Tips from WUR Library:

 

How to link file attachments (such as adding PDFs to your references manually or with the Find Full Text feature)

Libguide Linking file attachments

Tip from WUR Library:

  • The Find Full Text feature will work better when on campus. If you are using this feature from home, you may get less good results, even when connected to WUR Library or with the VPN.

 

How to organise your EndNote library (grouping, retraction management, duplicates)

Webinar Advanced library grouping and record updating in EndNote 2025

Webinar Advanced searching and retraction management in EndNote 2025

Knowledge article Steps to remove duplicates from your EndNote library

 

How to cite and generate bibliographies (including inserting citations, editing citations and configuring the style you need)

Libguide Citing and generating bibliographies

Tips from WUR Library:

 

How to quickly capture references and PDFs with EndNote Click

Libguide Quickly capture references and PDFs with EndNote Click

 

How to sync and share your library

Libguide Library syncing and sharing

Tip from WUR Library:

 

How to work with EndNote online

Libguide Working with EndNote online (Classic)

Tip from WUR Library:

  • You can only synchronise one EndNote library with your EndNote online account.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EndNote the only reference management software available?

No, there are many reference management tools available. WUR provides a license to EndNote free of charge for all WUR staff and students, and WUR Library provides support for EndNote, but you are free to use any other software you want.

 

Who can help me if I encounter issues with installing EndNote on my computer/laptop?

The Service Desk IT is the main contact point for technical issues when installing EndNote on your computer/laptop. For all other questions, you can contact WUR Library.

 

Can I export my EndNote library to another reference management software?

Yes, you can export your EndNote library to another reference management software. You may lose some information in the transfer.

Most of the time, the following procedure will work:

  • Go to your EndNote library > File > Export
  • In the pop-up that opens, make sure to:
    • rename the file with a .ris extension
    • save as a text file
    • choose the RefMan (RIS) Export output style. If this style is not in the short list, click on “select another style” in the drop-down menu.
  • You should now be able to import this file into your chosen reference manager software.

 

Can I import my library from another reference management software to EndNote?

Yes, you can import your library from another reference manager software to EndNote.

  • You will need to create a RIS file from the references included in your other reference manager software.
  • Then go to your EndNote library > File > Import
  • In the pop-up that appears, choose the RIS file you created. Select Reference Manager (RIS) as the import option.
  • If you want to keep your group/folder structure, you will need to import one group at a time, making sure to put the references in the correct group after every import.

For assistance with migrating your library to EndNote, get in touch with WUR Library.

 

What can I do if EndNote does not have the style I need?

It may be that the style you need is not installed by default. You can find more than 6000 additional styles in the EndNote styles collection. On that same page, you will find the detailed instructions on how to install the style you need from the EndNote styles collection.

If the style you need is not available in the EndNote Styles Collection or if you encounter issues with installing the style you need, get in touch with WUR Library.

 

Can I sync multiple EndNote libraries to my EndNote online account?

No, it is not possible to synchronise multiple EndNote libraries to your EndNote online account.

 

Can I work from a cloud-based service (OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, etc)?

No, you should not save your EndNote library to any cloud-based service. Your library risks getting corrupted. Make sure you save your EndNote library on the physical hard disk of your computer or laptop. If you need to work collaboratively with others, use the built-in functionalities in EndNote to share your library or a group within your library.

 

Can I work collaboratively/share my library with others with EndNote?

Yes, EndNote has built-in functionalities to work collaboratively with others. For more information, read our instructions on how to work collaboratively with EndNote or join our demo on Working collaboratively with EndNote. Check the Library's website for the dates.

 

I forgot my password for my EndNote online account. What now?

 If you forgot your password, you will need to use the “forgot password” link on the EndNote online login page. WUR Library can’t re-initialise the password for you. 

 

The EndNote toolbar is not available (anymore) in Word. How can I add it?

If you keep having issues with the EndNote toolbar, get in touch with WUR Library.

 

Questions & support 

 You can contact the Library for support on EndNote. Note that we don’t provide support for other reference management software.

You can also follow one of our demonstration sessions:

  

Curious to find out what else WUR Library can offer you?

Visit the Library's website to access the Library’s databases and get a full overview of the Library’s services, tools, and support. You can contact a librarian anytime through the chat box on our website or click Chat online. We’re happy to help you!