EndNote: EndNote on Multiple Devices

Storing your Endnote Library

It is essential that your Endnote Library is stored on your local hard drive. Do not store it on cloud storage services like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive. These services may corrupt your Endnote Library. 

On University laptops and computers store your EndNote Libraries and Data folders at This PC > Windows (C:) > Username (e.g. MSM4)

Backing Up Your Endnote Library

Create back-ups frequently using the Compressed Library option (File > Compressed Library).

Store your back-up library in OneDrive and restore it to your hard drive if you need to at any time.

Syncing your Endnote Library

If you work between different devices you must synchronise your data via EndNote Online. If regularly synchronised, EndNote Online can provide an additonal backup of your Library.

If you are working with EndNote on multiple devices it is crucial that you keep both versions up to date and you have a backup in case anything goes wrong.

• Take frequent backups (File > Compressed Library (.enlx))
• Synchronise your data via EndNote Online (Tools > Sync)
• Always close your Library when you are not working on it.

If you make changes to your library always take a backup and sync before closing it. When you change to your other device always sync when you open your Library (and again, take a backup and sync when you are finished making changes).

A strength of EndNote is being able to use it on the desktop. This means it has better ability to handle large datasets and process quickly. 

However, if you need to work on multiple machines e.g. a University computer in the office and a personal laptop at home, you need to synchronise the changes between your computers and EndNote Online in order to keep everything up to date.

1. Set up an EndNote (or Web of Science) account if you don't have one already.
   (Portal > Resources tab > A-Z Online Resources > Web of Science > Sign In > Register). You will need to create a password that you can remember.
   
   You may then login to  EndNote Online via Web of Science > Products > EndNote or directly at https://www.myendnoteweb.com.
2. Edit the 'Sync' preferences In EndNote Desktop on each of your computers
   (EndNote Desktop > Edit > Preferences > Sync)
   Enter the email address and password you used for your EndNote Online (or Web of Science) account and make sure the file path to your EndNote Library is correct.
   
   If the Sync Automatically box is checked, EndNote should sync your desktop library to your online account at 15 minute intervals. You may wish to untick that option if you find it slows performance (but then you must remember to sync regularly (e.g. as a minimum each time you are going to close EndNote).

Device 1

• Sync to EndNote Online (Tools > Sync)
• Finish making changes to your EndNote Library (adding references, editing etc.)
• Backup your EndNote Library (File > Compressed Library)
• Sync to EndNote Online (Tools > Sync)

Device 2

• If this is the first time you are using EndNote on the second device, create a new blank library with the same name as your other device (File > New), thereafter simply open your Library.
• Sync to EndNote Online (Tools > Sync). If this is the first time you are using the new Library all your records will be pulled in and organised as they are in your other machine, thereafter any changes made on Device 1 will be updated here.
• Finish making changes to your EndNote Library (adding references, editing etc.)
• Backup your EndNote Library (File > Compressed Library)
• Sync to EndNote Online (Tools > Sync)