Create a library
- Open EndNote
- Go to File and choose New
- Save your EndNote library on your computer, NEVER on a network drive or a cloud storage
When you create an EndNote library, a file with .enl suffix and a folder with .Data suffix will be created. These components must be saved together on your computer.
NOTE! Do not save your EndNote library on a cloud storage or a networked drive as this may damage your EndNote library. Since you save your EndNote library on your computer, it is important to back up your library regularly.
- Open EndNote and go to File in the menu at the top of the page.
- Select New to create a new library.
- Save your library on the hard drive of your computer. Your EndNote library now consists of a file with the suffix .enl and a folder with the suffix .Data. These two belong together and must always be in the same location on your computer for the library to function.
If you check the box Save as Package the file and folder will be saved as a package, and you don't have to remember to include both when you want to move, back up, or share the library. If you share a packaged version of your EndNote library with a Windows user, the Windows user will see a regular folder containing a file with the suffix .enl and a folder with the suffix .Data. Note that you must move both files from the package if you ever need to restore a damaged library.
NOTE! Never save your EndNote library in a cloud service or on a network drive as this can damage the library. Since you're saving the library on your computer, it is important to regularly make backups. It is recommended that you keep only one library.
If your mac has been set to sync your desktop and document folder with iCloud, you shouldn't save your EndNote library there. Instead, create a specific folder for this, for example in the Applications folder, as this isn't synchronized with iCloud. Read more about EndNote and iCloud.