Where Does EndNote Save Libraries?
EndNote libraries are a .enl file plus a .Data folder that must stay together. Default spots on Windows and Mac, and where not to keep them.
Last updated
Every EndNote library is really two things. The .enl file opens the library. The matching .Data folder holds PDFs, figures and groups. They share a name and must live side by side. Move one without the other and references break.
By default new libraries land in your Documents folder. Confirm the exact spot under Edit > Preferences > Folder Locations. For moves between machines, use File > Compressed Library (.enlx) to pack both halves into one file. Never store a working library in Dropbox, Drive or iCloud. EndNote corrupts libraries kept on cloud-synced folders.
Where EndNote stores this, by platform
C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\EndNote
Personal folder for styles you edited, and the default home for new libraries. Each library itself is a .enl file with a sibling .Data folder. Keep both together.
~/Documents/EndNote
Same arrangement as Windows. Check Preferences > Folder Locations if your libraries open from somewhere else. Keep working libraries off iCloud Drive to avoid corruption.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move an EndNote library to another computer?
Open it and choose File > Compressed Library (.enlx), including file attachments. Copy that single file over and double-click it on the new machine. It unpacks into the .enl file and .Data folder automatically.
Can I store my EndNote library in Dropbox or OneDrive?
No. EndNote does not support cloud-synced folders and libraries kept there can corrupt. Keep the working library on a local drive. Share it with File > Compressed Library or EndNote online instead.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.