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EndNote User Guide

EndNote is a reference management system that helps students and researchers collect, store, manage and share resources. It supports advanced features such as customizable reference libraries, automatic citation formatting and integration with word processors to streamline writing and publishing workflows.


How to access EndNote:

Library PCs

EndNote 20 software is installed on all library PCs at MMC, Casey, Dandenong, Moorabbin and Kingston.

Purchase desktop licence

- Monash Health purchase via IT online shop: Supervisor approval required and must be installed on a MH device.

- Purchase yourself: Approx.$460 and can be installed a on personal device or MH device. 

Instructions to purchase Endnote.

University affiliation

Free download of EndNote desktop to your personal device if you have student or staff login. 

EndNote online 

Create EndNote online classic account here: Build your library on any device with an internet connection, sync to your desktop library - More information in EndNote Online tab.

EndNote allows users to create libraries to store, organise, and manage references from multiple sources all in one place. A separate library can be created for each project and multiple libraries can be maintained on a single device for easy access and organisation.


Open EndNote on your Desktop

  1. Select File > New
  2. A window will appear, navigate to the location where you will save your library
  3. The new library name will default to 'My EndNote Library' but you can rename your library at this stage, then > Save
  4. You are now ready to start adding references
Important!!

EndNote libraries are made up of two components: the .enl file and the .Data folder. These two parts must be kept together for the library to function correctly and for an EndNote library to be able to re-open in any another computer.

  • Keep EndNote libraries on your computer's local hard drive and NOT on a network drive (this can lead to file corruption).
  • Do NOT store EndNote libraries in cloud-syncing folders such as Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, SugarSync, etc. Syncing folders can corrupt EndNote libraries.


Open a library

Open EndNote on your Desktop - Note: EndNote will open the previous library you were using

  1. Select File > Open Library
  2. A window will appear, navigate to the location of your saved EndNote Libraries on your local hard drive
  3. Double click the relevant  .enl file and Library will open

EndNote Online is a web-based version of EndNote that syncs with the desktop library, allowing users to access references from any location. It also enables library sharing, making it easier for teams to collaborate on research projects.


Create an online account

  1. Go to https://access.clarivate.com/register?app=endnote
  2. Follow the prompts to create your new account, you can use any email address. 
  3. Sync EndNote Online to your EndNote Desktop to connect your desktop and online libraries
  4. Enter your 'EndNote Online' login details [email and password], click OK.

Sync your libraries It is recommended you make a backup copy before starting synchronisation.

  1. Open EndNote on your Desktop
  2. Click on 'sync status' in the top left hand side or go to Tools >  Sync
  3. Click on Sync icon 'Sync Now'

Recommended Resources:

Endnote Training. (2020). How to use EndNote 20 in seven minutes: Windows

Endnote Training. (2020). How to use EndNote 20 in seven minutes: macOS