Skip to main content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

EndNote: Add references

NEW EndNote 20

Read this first - Endnote X9.3 and Endnote 20: Library Conversion and Backward Compatibility

Adding references

Once you've installed and set up EndNote, you can start building your Library.

Manual Entry

 Video Length: 1:21 (demonstration no audio)

Direct Export

Allows you to mark items and export them into your EndNote library.

Export from the Library catalogue

Export from the Library catalogueUse the 'Send To' options found on a record page, or click the " icon on the results page select 'EndNote desktop' or 'EndNote web'. To export multiple items use the to save to Favourites then export.

Export from Google Scholar

Use the Quotation iconand select 'EndNote' OR add a direct 'Import into EndNote' link via menu Hamburger menu - 3 line icon > Settings > Bibliography manager change to 'Show links to import citations into' and select EndNote. To export multiple items you will need a Google Account, use the Star iconto save items to My Library then export

Export from databases

Instructions below - how to export references from specific databases into your EndNote library.  Please note if you use a Mac the instructions are the same but with a slightly different interface.

Always check the results of your direct exports for accuracy and completeness

In some cases, a 'direct export' option may not be available. Instead, you'll need to save your references to a file, then use an import filter to import the file's contents into your EndNote library. For more information regarding import filters, see Advanced.

Import PDFs

Three ways to import references from PDFs:

To import a single PDF that you have already saved to your PC:

  1. Go to File > Import > File...
  2. Select Choose..., browse to the relevant PDF, then select Open
  3. From the Import Option drop-down menu, select PDF
  4. Select Import.

PDFs are stored in the .data file associated with your EndNote library.

NOTE: For references which EndNote does not find the details add some information e.g. author and title and use the Find Reference Update option (see below).

  1. Go to File > Import > Folder...
  2. Select Choose..., browse to the relevant folder, then select OK
  3. From the Import Option drop-down menu, select PDF
  4. Select Import.

PDFs are stored in the .data file associated with your EndNote library.

NOTE: For references which EndNote does not find the details add some information e.g. author and title and use the Find Reference Update option (see below).

To set up EndNote to automatically import references in this way:

  1. Go to Edit > Preferences > PDF Handling (for Mac, Preferences is in the EndNote X9 menu)
  2. Under the heading PDF Auto Import Folder, select Enable automatic importing
  3. Select the folder where you'll save PDFs
  4. Select Apply, then select OK (for Mac, just select Save).

When you save a PDF to the selected folder, the next time you open EndNote (if it isn't already open), the reference and the PDF will be automatically imported into your EndNote library, and the PDF will be moved to a subfolder (automatically created and named 'Imported').

PDFs are stored in the .data file associated with your EndNote library.

NOTE: For references which EndNote does not find the details add some information e.g. author and title and use the Find Reference Update option (see below).

NOTE: this will only work 100% with PDFs which include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), it will not work on scanned copies of PDFs.

Update references

If your records are missing information e.g. DOI, volume/issue numbers use the Find Reference Updates option. EndNote will search for updates and display any found for you to review. You can then choose to update all fields, update empty fields or edit reference manually.

 Video Length: 0:47 (demonstration no audio)

Need more help?

EndNote Essentials workshops

The Library periodically conducts EndNote Essentials workshops, for UniSA students and staff who would like to learn how to use EndNote. The workshop includes:

  • Creating a new library
  • Adding references
  • Inserting references into Word documents
  • Creating a bibliography

You can view upcoming sessions and register your attendance via the Library's Workshops and Seminars page.