EndNote Desktop

Backing up your EndNote files is essential to securely save all your hard work.

Each EndNote Library contains two components - an .enl file plus.data folder- always back up both into same folder.

• .ENL file plus a corresponding  .DATA folder.

Backup your Library:

1. Compressed Library command under File menu. Saves both components as a .enlx file.  (preferred backup)
2. or, alternatively Save a Copy command under File menu. Note: this method does not compress both files into one.

Compress or save a copy of your library to a removable disk (or another drive) for safekeeping.

See more at EndNote Support:  EndNote: Moving, backing up, or transferring libraries to another computer

1. Go to File > Compressed Library (.enlx)
   
2. Select the information you would like included in your library, and whether you would like it e-mailed to you.
   
3. Navigate to the location where you want to save your compressed library.
4. Click Save.

If you elected to Create & Email the library, EndNote will launch your default email system, create a new email and attach the compressed file to the email.

1. Verify the .enlx file is stored on your computer hard drive in folder you want the EndNote lLibrary to reside (not in Cloud or Network drive.)
2. Double-click on the .enlx file.
   
3. The .enl library and .data folder will be extracted within the same folder where the .enlx file is located.
   
4. Open the .enl file to launch the EndNote Library.

Look for this button to link to full text options:

Try our how to guide for more troubleshooting: