Using EndNote 21 Desktop: EN 21 Library Safety & Storage

Important notice for EndNote desktop users

• EndNote libraries consist of two parts: the enl file and the Data folder. You must keep these two components together at all times; both are essential for the library to work correctly
• Keep EndNote libraries on your computer's local hard drive. Storing and editing libraries on a network drive can lead to corruption and performance issues
• You should never store active EndNote libraries inside cloud-syncing folders such as Dropbox, OneDrive or network drives, etc. Syncing folders such as these will significantly increase your chances of corrupting your library
• Compressed libraries can be safely stored in cloud storage services

Copied from: Clarivate Analytics. EndNote: for administrators. 2023. Updated October 30, 2022. Accessed January 25, 2023. https://clarivate.libguides.com/endnote_training/administrators

Make regular backup copies of your EN library. Create a compressed library that contains both the .enl file and its associated data folder 

• Open EN 21 
• From File menu, select Compressed Library (.enlx) to display a Compressed Library dialog
• Use radio buttons to determine options
• Select Next to display file dialog. Save to a location that is different to where the library is currently stored
• File can be saved to your local PC. Recommend creating a folder called EndNote Backups
• If you are archiving the backup, you can save to a network or cloud drive
• Delete previous backups once you have made a new backup

In action: EndNote 20 Compress Library (1 min.)

Please contact a librarian@midwestern.edu if you have questions on using and storing EndNote libraries
Please send an inquiry to Clarivate if you are not finding an answer to your issue