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Create a local folder for EndNote libraries on your Mac

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EndNote libraries should be stored on the Mac’s local drive. Do not store an active EndNote library in iCloud Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, a network drive, or another synchronised location. Synchronisation software can interfere with library files, causing corruption or data loss. Read this article for a technical explanation: Why an EndNote library should not be synchronised through OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud or a network drive

The instructions below create a folder called EndNote libraries in the Mac’s Shared folder. The Shared folder is located close to the top level of the local drive and is not normally synchronised with iCloud.

Please note that the exact steps may differ depending on your macOS version; if this is the case, please refer to your computer manual.

Create the EndNote libraries folder

  1. Open Finder by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.
  2. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click Go.
  3. Select Computer.
  4. Double-click the Mac’s local drive. The drive is usually called Macintosh HD.
  5. Double-click the Users folder.
  6. Double-click the Shared folder.
  7. In the menu bar, click File and select New Folder.
  8. Type: EndNote libraries
  9. Press Return.

The full folder location is: Macintosh HD > Users > Shared > EndNote libraries

Why create aliases?

The EndNote libraries folder is stored in a safe local location, but that location is several levels down on the Mac’s drive. An alias provides a quick way to open the folder without having to browse the drive each time.

An alias is a shortcut to the original folder. It does not create a second copy of the folder or its contents. Both aliases open the same EndNote libraries folder.

Creating one alias on the Desktop and another in Documents makes the folder easier to find while keeping the actual EndNote libraries in the recommended local location.

Files saved through either alias are stored in the original EndNote libraries folder.

Do not move the original folder after creating the aliases. If the original folder is moved or deleted, the aliases may stop working.

Create an alias on the Desktop

  1. Keep the EndNote libraries folder visible in Finder.
  2. Hold down the Option and Command keys on the keyboard.
  3. While holding both keys, drag the EndNote libraries folder to the Desktop.
  4. Release the mouse or trackpad button.
  5. Release the keyboard keys.

An alias to the folder will appear on the Desktop. The alias may have a small arrow on its icon.

Do not drag the folder without holding Option and Command, as doing so may move the actual folder.

Create an alias in Documents

  1. In Finder, locate the EndNote libraries folder again:
    Macintosh HD > Users > Shared > EndNote libraries
  2. Hold down the Option and Command keys.
  3. Drag the folder into the Documents folder.
  4. Release the mouse or trackpad button.
  5. Release the keyboard keys.

An alias to the folder will appear in Documents.

If Documents is not shown in the Finder sidebar:

  1. In the menu bar, click Finder and select Settings.
  2. Select Sidebar.
  3. Select the checkbox next to Documents.
  4. Close the settings window.

Save an EndNote library in the new folder

When creating or moving an EndNote library, use the following location:
Macintosh HD > Users > Shared > EndNote libraries

The Desktop and Documents aliases both open the same local folder. Files saved through either alias are stored in the EndNote libraries folder on the Mac’s local drive.

An EndNote library normally consists of two matching items:

  • A file ending in .enl
  • A folder ending in .Data

Keep both items together. Do not rename, move, copy, or delete one without the other.