EndNote Desktop

This tutorial will walk you through using the latest desktop version of EndNote.

EndNote Library Backup

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

Save a compressed copy

  1. Go to File > Compressed Library (.enlx)
    Screenshot showing the location of the "compress library" option in the File Menu.
  2. Select the information you would like included in your library, and whether you would like it e-mailed to you.
    Screenshot displaying the "compress library" window with options of what to include in the compressed library.
  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.

Restore a compressed library

  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.
    Screenshot showing a compressed library folder saved on the hard drive.
  3. The .enl library and .data folder will be extracted within the same folder where the .enlx file is located.
    Screenshot showing the files extracted from a compressed library
  4. Open the .enl file to launch the EndNote Library.

Get help! Request a consultation

Ask a Question

Librarian