
EndNote - Detailed Review
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EndNote - Product Overview
EndNote Overview
EndNote is a comprehensive reference management software that is invaluable for researchers, students, and academics who need to manage and cite sources efficiently.Primary Function
EndNote’s primary function is to help users collect, organize, and cite references, as well as generate bibliographies. It allows you to create a personal library of references, download them from various databases, generate references from PDF files, and organize them into groups. You can also add keywords, labels, and notes to your references, making it easier to search and sort them.Target Audience
The target audience for EndNote includes researchers, students, and academics across various disciplines. The user base is predominantly composed of individuals in the 25-34 age group, with a slightly higher proportion of female users. The software is particularly popular in countries like the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Korea.Key Features
Reference Collection and Organization
EndNote enables you to download references from databases, generate references from PDF files, and organize them into groups. You can also add keywords, labels, and notes to your references.Citation and Bibliography Management
It allows you to insert in-text citations or footnotes into your documents and generate bibliographies in thousands of citation styles, including APA, Chicago, MLA, and more. You can easily reformat your references to a different citation style.Collaboration
EndNote Online allows you to share selected groups of references or your entire library with others, facilitating collaboration.Integration with Microsoft Word
EndNote integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Word, enabling you to insert citations and build bibliographies directly within your documents.Cross-Platform Availability
EndNote is available for both Mac and Windows, as well as an online version, ensuring you can access your library across different devices. Overall, EndNote is a powerful tool that saves time and helps users stay organized throughout the research and writing process.
EndNote - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Changes in EndNote
The user interface of EndNote, a popular citation management tool, has undergone significant changes, particularly with the transition from version X9 to version 20, which has elicited mixed reactions from users.Interface Layout
EndNote’s interface is structured around several key panes:Groups Pane
This allows users to organize references into various groups and subgroups, making it easier to manage different projects or themes.List Pane
This pane displays a logical list of references, organized by column headings that describe common resource descriptors. Users can customize the preview styles based on their project needs.Individual View Pane
Here, users can view the detailed information of a selected reference. This pane also includes a preview window to check the completeness and accuracy of the reference information.Search Pane
This feature enables users to search for references within their library, which is a crucial tool for managing large collections of citations.Ease of Use and User Experience
The ease of use and overall user experience of EndNote 20 have been a subject of debate. Here are some key points:Criticisms
Many users who upgraded from EndNote X9 to version 20 have expressed dissatisfaction with the new interface. Key issues include:Loss of Keyboard Shortcuts
Users who are accustomed to using keyboard shortcuts have found that many of these are no longer available, forcing them to rely more on the mouse, which slows down their workflow.Interface Changes
The new layout, where the records list is in the center and the record contents are in a pane on the right, has been particularly frustrating for users who work with multiple windows open simultaneously. This change requires constant adjustments to the window layout.Disabled Context Menus
Some users have noted that context menus (right-click menus) are disabled in certain windows, such as the search area, which adds to the frustration.Positive Aspects
Despite the criticisms, there are some positive aspects:Seamless Conversion
Users have appreciated the seamless conversion of their customizations, such as renamed fields and personal styles, during the upgrade process.Improved Architecture
The new architecture, where all metadata is contained in one large file, has simplified the backup process, reducing the time and number of files to manage.Functional Features
EndNote still offers strong features such as direct database searches (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science), automatic citation extraction from PDFs, and the ability to attach and annotate PDFs.User Feedback
User feedback indicates a strong preference for the older interface among long-time users. Many have expressed a desire to revert to the EndNote X9 interface due to its clarity and functionality. The lack of customization options and the loss of key features, such as the “reference summary” function, have been particularly problematic. In summary, while EndNote 20 introduces some improvements in terms of architecture and functionality, the user interface changes have been met with significant resistance from users who prefer the more straightforward and keyboard-friendly interface of earlier versions.
EndNote - Key Features and Functionality
EndNote AI-Driven Features
EndNote, a comprehensive reference management software, has integrated several AI-driven features to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of managing references and conducting research. Here are the key features and how they work:
Automated Metadata Extraction
AI algorithms in EndNote can automatically extract metadata from various sources, including academic journals and databases. This includes extracting author names, publication dates, journal titles, and DOI numbers. This automation reduces the time spent on manual entry and minimizes errors, ensuring that citations are accurate and up-to-date.
Enhanced Citation Analysis
AI tools in EndNote analyze citation patterns and relationships among publications. This involves identifying co-citation and bibliographic coupling, mapping citation networks, and analyzing citation clusters. These insights help researchers understand the impact of their work and the influence of related studies, providing a clearer picture of the academic landscape.
Author Disambiguation
AI techniques help in author disambiguation by analyzing publication history, comparing author affiliations, and identifying similar names. This ensures that citations are correctly attributed, enhancing the reliability of bibliometric analyses.
Automated Citation Suggestions and Flagging
While preparing manuscripts, EndNote’s AI tools can analyze draft manuscripts and recommend alternative references that may be more relevant or impactful. The AI also flags instances where citations are missing, prompting researchers to add necessary references before submission.
Predictive Analytics
AI can predict which articles are likely to be influential by examining citation patterns. This helps researchers stay ahead in their fields by identifying key references and estimating the potential impact of an article based on historical citation data.
Streamlining Manuscript Preparation
EndNote’s AI tools streamline the manuscript preparation process by suggesting relevant citations and flagging missing ones. This ensures that the manuscript is well-referenced and ready for submission.
Research Discovery
The integration of AI in EndNote enhances research discovery by analyzing trends in published literature. AI can highlight new areas of research that are gaining traction, allowing researchers to stay ahead of the curve. It also assists in creating comprehensive literature reviews by synthesizing information from large collections of documents.
Smart Organization
AI algorithms can categorize and organize references based on relevance and context, making it easier for users to manage their bibliographies. This includes creating smart groups that automatically sort and update search results.
Citation Generation and Formatting
EndNote allows users to generate citations in multiple formats quickly using AI. It also enables users to choose from thousands of citation styles, such as APA, Chicago, or MLA, and easily reformat references to a different citation style.
Collaboration Tools
AI facilitates better collaboration among researchers by providing shared access to references and notes. This includes the ability to share selected groups of references or the entire EndNote library with up to 100 people.
Full-Text Article Management
EndNote’s AI tools help in finding, attaching, and annotating full-text PDF files. This feature ensures that researchers have easy access to the full content of the references they need.
Conclusion
In summary, EndNote’s AI-driven features significantly enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of citation management and research processes, making it a valuable tool for researchers.

EndNote - Performance and Accuracy
Core Functionality
EndNote is designed to help users manage references, format citations, and organize bibliographies. It does not inherently include AI-driven search capabilities like those found in advanced AI systems.
Search Capabilities
EndNote allows users to search for references within their libraries, but this is not powered by AI. The search functionality is based on traditional filtering and keyword searches. Users can search by various fields such as author, title, and keywords, but the system does not use artificial intelligence to enhance search results.
Limitations
Several limitations have been reported by users:
- User Interface: Many users find the interface clunky and outdated, which can make it less intuitive to use.
- Duplicate References: While EndNote helps prevent duplicate references by using DOIs and PMCIDs, this is a basic feature and not an AI-driven capability.
- Customization: Users cannot edit existing citation styles and filters, which can be restrictive.
- Storage Limit: EndNote Online has a storage limit of 50,000 records, which might be a constraint for large-scale research projects.
- Functional Issues: Users have reported issues such as the inability to resize certain windows, problems with searching and filtering, and limitations in editing references.
Areas for Improvement
Given that EndNote is not an AI-driven tool, its improvements would be more focused on enhancing its core functionalities:
- User Interface: Improving the user interface to make it more modern and user-friendly.
- Customization Options: Allowing more flexibility in editing citation styles and filters.
- Search Functionality: Enhancing search capabilities to include more advanced filtering options, though this would still be within the realm of traditional search rather than AI-driven.
- Technical Issues: Addressing the various technical issues reported by users, such as window resizing and search functionality.
Conclusion
In summary, while EndNote is a valuable tool for reference management, it does not fall into the category of AI-driven search tools. Its performance and accuracy are more related to its ability to manage and organize references efficiently rather than leveraging artificial intelligence.

EndNote - Pricing and Plans
EndNote Pricing Plans
EndNote, a popular citation management tool, offers several pricing plans and options to cater to different user needs. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans and their features:
EndNote Basic (Free Plan)
- This is the free web version of EndNote.
- Users can collect and organize up to 50,000 references.
- Features include importing references from databases and websites, creating groups, and sharing groups with up to 1,000 other users.
- It allows inserting citations into Word documents and creating bibliographies with 21 commonly used styles.
- Users can store up to 2GB of file attachments.
- Accessible from any computer with an internet connection.
Student License
- This plan is specifically for students.
- It costs $136.82 as a one-time purchase.
- It includes most of the features available in the full version but is priced lower for students.
Full License
- This is the standard full-featured version of EndNote.
- It costs $294.94 as a one-time purchase.
- Includes advanced features such as over 7,000 predefined bibliographic styles, unlimited reference and file attachment storage, and integration with MS Word via the Cite While You Write plugin.
- Users can also perform online database searches, format bibliographies, and share libraries with up to 399 other users.
Upgrade License
- For users who already have an older version of EndNote and want to upgrade.
- Costs $117.945 as a one-time purchase.
- Includes all the features of the full version but is discounted for existing users.
Volume License
- Custom pricing available for institutions or organizations purchasing multiple copies.
- Site-wide licenses can be arranged for entire institutions or organizations.
EndNote Online for Desktop Users (Premium)
- This plan is available for users who purchase the desktop version of EndNote.
- It includes additional online features such as sharing groups with up to 1,000 other users and accessing the library from any internet browser.
- It has over 4,200 predefined bibliographic styles and unlimited reference and file attachment storage.
EndNote Online with Web of Science
- This plan integrates EndNote with Web of Science.
- Features are similar to the EndNote online for desktop users but with additional integration with Web of Science.
- Users can share groups with up to 1,000 other users and access the library from any internet browser.
Summary
In summary, EndNote offers a free basic plan with limited features, as well as several paid plans that cater to different user needs, including students, individual researchers, and institutions. Each plan has distinct features and storage capacities to suit various requirements.

EndNote - Integration and Compatibility
EndNote Overview
EndNote is a versatile citation management tool that integrates well with various platforms and devices, ensuring seamless functionality across different environments.
Platform Compatibility
EndNote is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh platforms. For Mac users, it supports both Intel-based and Apple Silicon-based Macs, including the latest Mac OS 14 (Sonoma), provided you are using EndNote 21 or later versions.
Word Processor Integration
EndNote integrates smoothly with several word processors:
- It supports Microsoft Word, both the desktop and older versions, though it is incompatible with Microsoft 365’s cloud-based Word in SharePoint. To use EndNote with Word, you must open documents in the desktop application.
- It is also compatible with Apple Pages, requiring Pages version 6.2 or later and EndNote X9.3 or later.
- Additionally, EndNote works with OpenOffice and Wolfram Mathematica 8.
Browser Compatibility
EndNote is compatible with a range of browsers, including Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Edge, and Opera. This ensures that you can access and manage your references online without issues, as long as cookies and JavaScript are enabled.
Network and Collaboration
EndNote allows multiple users to access a library on a network in read-only mode, enabling them to search for references, cite them, and create bibliographies. However, only one user can edit a library at a time. For collaboration, you can sync your EndNote Desktop library with EndNote Online and share references through shared groups.
Cloud and Syncing
EndNote offers both desktop and online versions. The desktop version can sync with EndNote Online, allowing you to access your library from any computer with an internet connection. This syncing feature ensures that your references and file attachments are up-to-date across all your devices.
File Management and Annotation
EndNote allows you to attach and annotate PDFs, as well as search the full text of these files. This feature is available in both the desktop and online versions, enhancing your ability to organize and interact with your research materials.
Limitations and Considerations
- When using cloud-based storage like SharePoint, OneDrive, or Dropbox, it is recommended to store Word documents with unformatted citations to avoid document corruption. Track Changes in Word should also be turned off when using EndNote.
- EndNote Basic, the free web-based version, has limited functionality compared to the full version, including a maximum of 50,000 references and 2GB of attachments.
Conclusion
In summary, EndNote provides comprehensive integration with various word processors, browsers, and platforms, making it a versatile tool for managing citations and collaborating on research projects. However, it is important to be aware of the specific compatibility requirements and limitations to ensure smooth operation.

EndNote - Customer Support and Resources
EndNote Customer Support Options
EndNote provides a comprehensive array of customer support options and additional resources to help users effectively utilize the software.Technical Support
For immediate technical assistance, you can contact EndNote’s technical support team through several channels:Phone Support
Available 24/7, Monday through Friday. For the Americas, call 1-855-258-5858 and press Option 2 for EndNote. For EMEA, call 44 800 328 8044.Email Support
You can email the EndNote Product Support Team at EndNote.support@clarivate.com.Chat Support
EndNote offers a chat feature with product experts, although its availability may vary depending on the volume of queries.Additional Resources
EndNote Knowledge Base
This is a valuable resource where you can search for answers to common EndNote questions. It provides detailed guides and troubleshooting tips.WebForm Request
You can submit technical support or account support requests through a web form on the Clarivate website.Library and Institutional Support
If you are affiliated with a university or institution, you may also have access to additional support through your library. For example, the University of Calgary provides specific contact information for library staff who can assist with EndNote-related queries.Online Guides and Tutorials
EndNote and various libraries offer detailed guides on how to use the software, including how to search online databases directly from within EndNote, manage references, and perform advanced tasks like subject heading frequency analysis. By leveraging these support options and resources, users can quickly resolve technical issues, learn new features, and optimize their use of EndNote.
EndNote - Pros and Cons
Advantages of EndNote
EndNote, particularly with its integration of AI tools, offers several significant advantages for researchers and academics:AI-Driven Metadata Extraction
EndNote’s AI capabilities allow for the automatic extraction of metadata from various sources, including academic journals and databases. This includes author names, publication dates, journal titles, and DOI numbers, which reduces the time spent on manual entry and minimizes errors.Enhanced Citation Analysis
The AI tools in EndNote can analyze citation patterns, identify co-citation and bibliographic coupling, map citation networks, and analyze citation clusters. This helps researchers understand the impact of their work and the influence of related studies, providing valuable insights into the academic landscape.Author Disambiguation
AI techniques in EndNote help in author disambiguation by analyzing publication history, comparing author affiliations, and identifying similar names. This ensures that citations are correctly attributed, enhancing the reliability of bibliometric analyses.Automated Citation Suggestions and Flagging
EndNote’s AI can analyze draft manuscripts and suggest alternative references that may be more relevant or impactful. It also flags instances where citations are missing, prompting researchers to add necessary references before submission.Streamlined Manuscript Preparation
The integration with word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs allows for seamless citation insertion and updating. Any changes to references in EndNote are automatically reflected in the document, ensuring accuracy and consistency.Collaboration Features
EndNote enables researchers to share their reference libraries with colleagues, facilitating collaboration on joint research projects and improving overall productivity.Customizable Output Styles
EndNote supports over 5,000 output filters and allows users to customize their output to match specific citation styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago.Efficient Organization
Researchers can create groups to organize and share their references, and the software is adept at handling large libraries and imported files.Disadvantages of EndNote
Despite its many advantages, EndNote also has some notable disadvantages:Intuitive Issues
Some users have reported that newer versions of EndNote, such as version 20.3, are less intuitive than previous versions. Issues include the individual reference view not remembering preferred split settings and the reference list screen behaving erratically when selecting references.Feature Reduction
Certain long-standing features have been removed or altered, such as the ability to have a three-window display with the formatted reference at the bottom of the right-hand pane. This change has introduced additional steps for users, such as needing to click to view the summary pane.Searching Issues
The search function for authors, particularly for multiple-author papers, is sometimes broken, leading to inconsistent results.Buggy Behavior
Users have reported various bugs, including issues with the date range function and problems with importing and exporting databases between different versions of EndNote.Storage and Compatibility
While EndNote is powerful, it has limitations such as a storage limit of 50,000 records, which may be inadequate for users with extensive libraries. Additionally, compatibility issues with newer operating systems can be a challenge, as seen with the inability to run older versions like EndNote 8 on 64-bit only macOS. By considering these points, researchers can make an informed decision about whether EndNote meets their specific needs and workflow requirements.
EndNote - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing EndNote to Other Tools
When comparing EndNote to other tools in the category of AI-driven citation and reference management, several key features and alternatives stand out.
Unique Features of EndNote
- Comprehensive Reference Management: EndNote allows researchers to collect, organize, and cite references efficiently. It supports importing references from various sources, including online databases, library catalogues, and websites. This tool also enables the organization of references into different folders or groups, making it easy to categorize and locate specific references.
- Automatic Reference Formatting: EndNote supports a wide range of citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and automatically formats in-text citations and bibliographies. This feature ensures adherence to specific citation style guidelines and saves time by eliminating manual formatting.
- Integration with Word Processors: EndNote integrates seamlessly with popular word processing software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Apple Pages. This integration allows for easy citation insertion and updates, ensuring accuracy and consistency in research papers.
- Collaboration Features: EndNote enables researchers to share their reference libraries with colleagues, facilitating collaboration on joint research projects. The tool also allows synchronization between desktop and online versions, ensuring that all changes are reflected across all devices.
- Data Protection and Recovery: EndNote 21 introduces new features such as data restoration functions, which protect the researcher’s work by allowing the recovery of the library from the cloud and restoring previous versions of individual references.
Alternatives to EndNote
- Mendeley:
- Mendeley offers robust annotation capabilities, allowing researchers to highlight important sections, add notes, and make annotations directly within PDFs. It also provides powerful reference management features, including generating citations and bibliographies in various styles. Mendeley is known for its interactive and dynamic reading experience.
- While Mendeley shares many features with EndNote, its annotation capabilities and user interface can be more appealing to some researchers.
- Zotero:
- Although not detailed in the provided sources, Zotero is another popular alternative for citation management. It offers similar features to EndNote, including reference organization, citation formatting, and integration with word processors. Zotero is often praised for its user-friendly interface and extensive community support.
- Unriddle:
- Unriddle is an AI research tool that enhances the research experience by providing features such as automatic relations, citing sources, and writing with AI. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use its AI research tool, which can be an alternative for those looking for more AI-driven assistance in their research.
Key Differences
- User Interface and Annotative Features: Mendeley stands out with its robust annotation capabilities, which may be more appealing to researchers who value interactive reading and note-taking within their PDFs.
- Integration and Compatibility: EndNote’s integration with a wide range of word processors, including Google Docs, Apple Pages, and Microsoft Word, makes it highly versatile. However, other tools like Mendeley and Zotero also offer similar integrations.
- Collaboration and Sharing: EndNote’s collaboration features, including the ability to share reference libraries and synchronize changes across devices, are particularly strong. This makes it an excellent choice for collaborative research projects.
Conclusion
In summary, while EndNote offers a comprehensive set of features for reference management and citation formatting, alternatives like Mendeley and Zotero provide similar functionalities with some unique advantages, such as enhanced annotation capabilities and user-friendly interfaces.

EndNote - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about EndNote
How to Download EndNote?
To download EndNote, you typically need to access the official EndNote website or your institution’s library resources. Many universities provide EndNote through their library services, so you may need to log in with your university credentials to download it. Here is a step-by-step guide:- Go to the EndNote website or your university library’s resource page.
- Follow the download instructions, which usually involve selecting the correct version (Windows or macOS) and agreeing to the terms of service.
How to Create a New Library in EndNote?
Creating a new library in EndNote is straightforward:- Open EndNote.
- Click on “File” in the menu bar.
- Select “New” to create a new library.
- Choose a location to save your library and give it a name.
- Click “Save” to create the library.
How to Import and Attach a PDF in EndNote?
To import and attach a PDF in EndNote:- Open EndNote and select your library.
- Click on “File” > “Import” > “File…”
- Select the PDF file you want to import.
- EndNote can automatically extract bibliographic data from the PDF.
- Alternatively, you can drag and drop the PDF into your EndNote library.
How to Add a Citation Style into EndNote?
To add a citation style in EndNote:- Open EndNote and go to the “Edit” menu.
- Select “Output Styles” > “Open Style Manager.”
- Here, you can select from over 7,000 styles or download additional styles from the EndNote website.
- To apply a style, go back to your library, select the references, and choose the desired style from the “Style” dropdown menu.
How to Add the EndNote Toolbar into Microsoft Word?
To add the EndNote toolbar into Microsoft Word:- Open Microsoft Word.
- Go to the “Tools” menu (or “Add-ins” in newer versions of Word).
- Select “EndNote” from the available add-ins.
- If you don’t see EndNote, you may need to install it from the EndNote application by going to “EndNote” > “Customizer” and checking the box next to “Cite While You Write” (CWYW).
How to Verify if EndNote is Correctly Integrated into Microsoft Word?
To verify if EndNote is correctly integrated into Microsoft Word:- Open Microsoft Word and look for the EndNote toolbar.
- If you see the EndNote tools (such as “Find Citations,” “Insert Citation,” etc.), it is integrated correctly.
- You can also check by inserting a citation and seeing if it formats correctly.
How to Create Citations in Microsoft Word Using EndNote?
To create citations in Microsoft Word using EndNote:- Open your Word document and place your cursor where you want to insert the citation.
- Click on “Insert Citation” from the EndNote toolbar.
- Search for the reference you want to cite and select it.
- The citation will be inserted into your document, and the bibliography will be updated automatically.
How to Change a Citation Style in Microsoft Word Using EndNote?
To change a citation style in Microsoft Word using EndNote:- Open your Word document.
- Go to the EndNote toolbar and select “Style.”
- Choose the new citation style from the dropdown list.
- The citations and bibliography in your document will be updated to the new style.
How to Share Your EndNote Library or Group with Other Researchers?
To share your EndNote library or group with other researchers:- You need to sync your EndNote desktop library with EndNote Online.
- Once synced, you can create shared groups in EndNote Online.
- Invite collaborators to the shared group from within EndNote Online.
- Shared groups will appear as links in your EndNote desktop application.
How to Find Full-Text Articles Using EndNote?
To find full-text articles using EndNote:- Select the references for which you want to find full-text articles.
- Go to the “References” menu and select “Find Full Text.”
- EndNote will attempt to locate the full-text articles based on the information available in your library and the databases you have access to.
How to Annotate PDFs in EndNote?
To annotate PDFs in EndNote:- Open the PDF within EndNote by double-clicking on it in your library.
- Use the built-in PDF viewer tools to highlight, annotate, and add notes to the PDF.
- These annotations will be saved within your EndNote library.
