Introduction to EndNote
EndNote Basics
Opening an EndNote Library
A Library is a file used by the EndNote program to list and track your reference information and has the file extension .enl. To open a pre-existing library:
- Go to File > Open > Open Library and select from the list in the drop down menu or choose a .enl file from the Open dialog box
- Or press ctrl+o on your keyboard and choose a .enl file from the Open dialog box
If you do not have a pre-existing EndNote library and would like to use an example library provided with the program:
- Go to File > Open > Open Library
- In the Open dialog box find the folder on your hard drive EndNote is installed in. The default is on the C:/ drive under Program Files > EndNote 8
- Once you have opened the EndNote folder go to Examples > paleo.enl
Creating a new EndNote Library
To create a new EndNote Library:
- Go to File > New
- Enter a name for your new Library in the File Name text box
- Click Save to create your new Library
Saving an EndNote Library
The EndNote program automatically saves any changes you make to your library but if you would like to manually save your library:
- Go to File > Save
- Or press ctrl+s on your keyboard
Merging EndNote Libraries
Two or more EndNote libraries can be merged manually:
- Open the libraries you wish to merge
- Select the references that you wish to move by clicking on the reference. If you wish to select several references that are next to each other, hold down the shift key on your keyboard and select your references. If you wish to select several reference that are not next to each other, hold down the ctrl key and select your references.
- Drag your selected references into the library you wish to move them to.
Sorting References
References can be sorted according to attachment, Author, Year, Title or URL by clicking on the appropriate tab at the top of the list of references.
Searching an EndNote Library
Quick Search - You can quickly search through your library by typing the first few letters of your search. A pause will begin a new search. The search will be run within the field that you have sorted your references by. For instance, if you have sorted your references by author, quick search will only search for matches in the author field.Advanced Search - For a more detailed search use the Advance Search option. Go to References>Search References
The Preview Pane
The Preview pane provides a short summary of the selected reference. It appears at the bottom of the EndNote program window. To turn the pane on or off:
- Go to Tools > Show/Hide Preview
The style of summary shown in the Preview pane can be changed by opening the drop down menu circled in red below:
You can then select a new style from the list or choose Select Another Style for more options.
Creating a New Reference
To add a new reference to your Library:
- Go to References > New Reference
- Or press ctrl+n on your keyboard
EndNote will display a blank reference. Enter your reference information by clicking on the appropriate fields.
Editing an Existing Reference
To edit an existing reference, double click on the reference you would like to edit. EndNote will display the current information for that reference in a new window. Edit your reference information by clicking on the appropriate fields. Information you have changed will appear in red.
- Auto-complete - If the information you are entering also exists elsewhere in your library, EndNote will automatically fill in the information as you type. If the information EndNote is trying to fill in is not the information you want, continue typing as usual.
- Reference Type - To change the reference type, open the drop down menu circled in red below and selecting the correct reference type:
- Adding Images and Files - To add an image or file to a reference:
- Click on the Image field in the reference you wish to add it to
- Go to References > Insert Image OR References > Insert Object
- Select the file that you wish to insert. You can insert an excel chart or worksheet, Visio Drawing or PowerPoint Slide/Presentation