How can I (manually) backup my library?

Each EndNote library consists of two items:

1. An .enl file (e.g., MyLibrary.enl)
2. An .Data folder (e.g., MyLibrary.Data)

The .Data folder consists of the (PDF) attachments and the database files and subfolders.

A compressed library consists of one .enlx file (e.g., MyLibrary.enlx, compare with .docx, .xlsx, .pptx). The .enlx file is in fact a zip-file.

There are different ways to backup your library.

Backup via the EndNote application:

1. Create an ‘EndNote backup’ folder.
2. Start EndNote and open your library.
3. Choose ‘File > Compressed Library (.enlx)...’. 'Compressed Library (.enlx)' screen will be displayed.
4. Depending on the criteria you select with the 'Create' option, you can compress the entire library, a group set, a group or references that you have selected in your library with or without file attachments, and email your compressed library with the 'Create & Email' option. Best is to backup the whole library including attachments (default).
5. Click 'Next' button to backup the compressed your library.
6. Save the .enlx file (compressed/zipped EndNote library file, e.g. Mylibrary.enlx) to the ‘EndNote backup’ folder (step 1).

Restoring a Compressed Library File

1. Start EndNote and choose 'File > Open library' and browse to the .enlx file and click 'Open'.
2. When the .enlx file is opened, EndNote will extract the .enl file and the .Data folder to the same folder where the. enlx file has been opened. Therefore, you might wnat to copy the .enlx file to a folder where you want the library file and folder to be extracted, before opening the .enlx file.

Manually backup your library:

1. Create an ‘EndNote backup’ folder.
2. Browse via Windows Explorer or with Mac Finder to the folder where your library resides.
3. Copy the .enl file and .Data folder (e.g. ‘Mylibrary.enl’ file and ‘Mylibrary.Data’ folder) to the ‘EndNote backup’ folder.