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How to sync your EndNote library

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Summary:
The Sync feature in EndNote keeps your library consistent across desktops, EndNote Web/Online, and the iPad app. It acts like your personal cloud system, providing cross-device access, backup, and sharing options.

What Sync Does

  • Syncs your library with your EndNote Web/Online account.
  • Keeps references, attachments (PDFs), and groups in sync across platforms.
  • Provides anywhere access — e.g., EndNote Web at home, desktop in the office.
  • Serves as a recovery option if your computer crashes.
  • Enables library sharing with colleagues.

How to set up and use sync

Step 1 – Back up your library

  • Before enabling sync, create a compressed backup:
    • File > Compressed Library (.enlx)

Step 2 – Create or log in to an EndNote Online Account

  • Go to Edit > Preferences > Sync > Enable Sync.
  • Sign in with your EndNote Online credentials (or create an account).
  • By default, your entire library (references, groups, attachments) is synced.

Step 3 – Start syncing

  • Go to Library > Sync.
  • First sync may take time if you have many PDFs.
  • Later syncs are faster and can be set to run automatically.

Step 4 – Access from other devices

  • Log into my.endnote.com to view your synced library.
  • On another computer or iPad:
    1. Install EndNote.
    2. Sign in under Edit > Preferences > Sync.
    3. Create an empty library → sync → EndNote downloads your full library.

Things to be aware of

1. One library per account

  • You can only sync one library with a single EndNote account. Multiple libraries will merge.

2. Storage

  • Syncing large numbers of PDFs uses storage, but most licenses include unlimited storage for several years.

3. Conflicts

  • If the same reference is edited on two devices before syncing, EndNote creates a conflict copy to resolve manually.

4. Version history

  • EndNote can restore a single reference to a previous version.

5. Sync ≠ Backup

  • Syncing mirrors changes, including mistakes. Always maintain a separate backup copy of your library.

Troubleshooting sync

  • Check Library Status or click your email address (top left) in EndNote for sync status and error messages.

How to control sync

Turn off automatic sync

  • Go to Edit > Preferences > Sync > uncheck “Sync automatically”.

Manually start sync

  • Go to Library > Sync to trigger sync on demand.

 

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