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Managing references: EndNote

A guide to some of the systems you can use to help with referencing

There are two versions of EndNote:

  • EndNote online - a web-based product for storing references and using them in Word. An enhanced version is available to University members by registering via the Web of Science. Recommended for undergraduates and masters students.
  • Desktop EndNote - a software programme which can be used via the AppsAnywhere service on the campus PCs or downloaded free from the DTS Self-Service Portal. Recommended for PhD students and researchers.

See Which version should I use? for more detail about the differences between the two versions.

The Library supports the use of both versions of EndNote. There is detailed help on our website, including workshop dates, step-by-step guides and FAQs:

First steps to using EndNote online

  1. Go to the Web of Science.
  2. Once connected click on 'Products' at the top of the screen and select EndNote.
  3. Click Register to create your account.
  4. Add references to your account (manually; direct export from a database; via the Online search option; or by importing references downloaded from a database).
  5. Attach PDFs of articles to references, to store everything together in the cloud.
  6. Install the 'Cite While You Write' plugin for Word from EndNote Online via 'Downloads'
  7. You are now ready to add references to Word documents.

EndNote Online introductory videos

We've produced a suite of short videos which take you through all steps from registering for an account, to creating a bibliography in Word.

If you are unable to view the videos above due to your location, please follow the links below to the same videos on the Microsoft Stream platform (University username and password required):

Doing a systematic review?

Take a look at our extra video on using EndNote Online for a systematic review:

Further help using EndNote Online

Word plugins - conflict between EndNote and Mendeley Desktop

The EndNote and Mendeley plugins in Word don't play nicely together, so you might experience problems if you have both installed. The most common error message seen is 'Cannot edit range' when trying to insert a citation from EndNote into a Word document.

To stop this happening you have to disable the Mendeley plugin by following these steps:

  1. Open the File menu in Word.
  2. Select Options then Add-Ins.
  3. From the Manage list at the foot of the window select Word Add-ins and click Go.
  4. Unselect the Mendeley add-in.

You will need to do this every time you open a document in Word.

First steps to using Desktop EndNote

  1. Use EndNote via the AppsAnywhere service on campus PCs or download it for use on your own computer via the IT Self-Service Portal.
  2. Create a library.
  3. Populate your library by: typing in references; exporting from compatible databases; using the online search within EndNote; importing references from other databases or from other reference management software.
  4. Use the 'Find fulltext' feature to add PDFs to your references, or manually attach downloaded articles.
  5. Use the EndNote toolbar in Word to insert and format citations.

Desktop EndNote introductory videos

Further help using Desktop EndNote

Desktop EndNote for researchers

Sharing your library with other researchers

It is possible to share a library with up to 100 people. All you need is Endnote X7.2 or higher and an Endnote online account. You can only share one library because you can only have one library associated with an online account. If you want multiple online accounts you will need to use a different email address to register for each one. As multiple people will be working on the library it is a good idea to take frequent back ups by going to File > Compressed Library.

Watch this short video to find out more.

We've also produced our own guide to sharing libraries for Version 20:

Use Manuscript Matcher to suggest the ideal place for your work to be published

This feature uses the title, abstract and references from your library to suggest relevant journals for your paper. Find out more using the link below.