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EndNote : Getting started

LKC topic guide with information about using EndNote with PCs, including training opportunities and online resources.

About EndNote

EndNote is software provided by Clarivate Analytics. It is referencing tool to help you organise and store references and research.

EndNote is customisable to your needs and interacts between EndNote and Word to use Cite While you Write (CWYW) functionality. or create bibliographies.

Your EndNote Library is only as good as the information entered. Check references for completeness and accuracy as you go.

For further information, see the EndNote website.

EndNote interacts with PCs and Macs differently. This guide is based on using EndNote on PCs.

If you need technical help with your Mac, contact the EndNote support desk for Australia tel. 02 6559 5777 and say you are from Queensland Health.

For Mac users who have upgraded to the latest operating system, macOS Mojave, may need to change their Security & Privacy settings to use Endnote's Cite While You Write tool with Microsoft Word. A description of the problem and steps to address it is provided by Clarivate Analytics below.


Queensland Health and EndNote

We are excited to announce that EndNote 21 has now been rolled out across Queensland Health (QH). As a result, please note that this guide is in the process of being updated to reflect the latest features and instructions for EndNote 21. Training sessions are still available upon request. We appreciate your patience during this transition.


The LKC advises users to primarily utilise EndNote on a single computer or device. In cases where this is not feasible, the LKC recommends the following guidelines:

  • Library Sync: It is recommended to set up library synchronisation using EndNote Online. Please avoid using other cloud storage solutions such as OneDrive for syncing.

  • Single Library Usage: Stick to using a single library and make use of folders to organise and separate references. Multiple libraries can complicate maintenance and backups, as EndNote Online sync supports only one library.

  • Regular Backups: Ensure that you regularly back up your library in a minimum of two different locations. Avoid renaming your library as this can lead to complications.

Before proceeding with an upgrade, please take the following steps:

  • Close all Microsoft products, in particular Word.

  • Perform a recent backup of your current EndNote library and/or ensure EndNote online sync has been configured correctly.

  • Ensure that EndNote is not running on the computer where you intend to install EndNote 21.

For Queensland Health computer users, please note that your system should have been upgraded to Windows 10 in order to use EndNote 21.


If you require a copy of EndNote 21 for personal use, refer to the FAQ section below for detailed instructions. To obtain the passkey code, please contact the LKC or your local health library (QH staff only. JCU and other students should contact their learning institution for assistance).

For any technical assistance related to installing EndNote on a QH workstation, you can reach out to eHealth Queensland via the Self Service Centre or on 1800 198 175. Alternatively, you can contact the Australian EndNote Support Desk at (02) 6559 5777

EndNote Web

EndNote Web is a cloud-based version of EndNote that can be synced with the desktop version of EndNote.

The benefits of EndNote Web include:

  • It is accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection
  • Quick and easy to use
  • Includes all of the basic features of the desktop version
  • Can be synced with the desktop version, to access full range of EndNote functionality

Potential issues with EndNote Web include:

  • Using EndNote Web in conjunction with EndNote Desktop on a QH computer can be problematic due to security and firewall infrastructure. Please ask library staff for more information about this if required.
  • The CWYW toolbars are different for Basic and Desktop, and therefore not simple to use both programs on one computer
  • Difficult to use the CWYW functionality within Basic on a QH computer
  • Lack of functionality means Basic is not as powerful or customisable as the Desktop version

The LKC recommends the use of the EndNote Desktop version over EndNote Web. However, if you do not have access to the Desktop version, Online is a sound backup option. The LKC recommends that EndNote Web is NOT used for CWYW on a Queensland Health computer. If you have a need to use EndNote Online with CWYW on a QH computer, please contact library staff for information first.

QH employees have access to EndNote Online via the QH subscription to EndNote. The LKC can only offer limited assistance with EndNote Online.

For further assistance with EndNote Online please refer to the sites below.

About this guide

This guides provides Queensland Health staff with information and support in using EndNote referencing software.

Information is based on using EndNote 21 with Windows PCs as that is Queensland Health's standard operating environment. If you have a Mac, see About EndNote section on this page for links or contact EndNote (Australia) support. The LKC can only provide limited support for MacOS users.

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