Creating and backing up EndNote libraries

In EndNote each collection of references is known as a ‘library’. Each library is a separate file with the suffix .enl, and a folder with the same name as the library ending .Data. The .Data folder is created in the same directory as the library. Both file and folder must be kept together.

To Create a new library

Select 'New' from the 'File' menu. In the File name field, type the name of the new library and 'Save'.

Backing up and compressing EndNote libraries

You should back up your library whenever you have made changes or additions. If you create or amend filters, output styles or connection files, it is a good idea to back up the entire EndNote directory on occasion. You can save your complete library (the .enl file as well as its associated .Data folder and all of its contents) to a single compressed .enlx file in order to easily back up your library or send a copy to a colleague. Later, you can easily restore (unzip) the compressed library with EndNote.

To save to a compressed library file:

• Open the library in EndNote.
• From the 'File' menu, select 'Compressed Library (.enlx)' then click on 'Next'.
• Use the file dialog to save to an EndNote Compressed library (.enlx).

To restore a compressed library file:

• Use EndNote to open the .enlx file as you would normally would to use the library.