EndNote 21.5.0.18513

EndNote editor's review: a powerful, professional reference manager for research

EndNote from Clarivate is a mature reference management platform designed for researchers, students, librarians, and organisations that need robust citation, library and collaboration tools. With desktop clients for Windows and Mac, a refreshed EndNote Web, and an iOS app that syncs libraries across devices, EndNote aims to cover the full research workflow from discovery to manuscript submission.

What EndNote does well

• Comprehensive library management: store an unlimited number of references and attach PDFs, figures and supplementary files. The system supports automated organization via tags, smart groups and rules so large libraries remain navigable.
• Wide import and discovery options: import from major databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and library catalogs), upload .ris and .nbib files, or use the built-in web browser in the iOS app to capture references on the go.
• Seamless citation integration: Cite While You Write works with Microsoft Word and Google Docs to insert citations and format bibliographies automatically using thousands of up-to-date citation styles.
• Sync and cross-platform access: sync references, annotations and PDFs between desktop, EndNote Web and the iOS app so library changes propagate across devices.
• Collaboration and sharing: share whole or partial libraries with colleagues (up to large groups), set access and editing permissions, and support group workflows for teams and institutions.
• Research discovery and AI-assisted features: newer EndNote releases surface relevant papers across databases you may not already search, and tools like Manuscript Matcher help target appropriate journals before submission.

Notable iOS app specifics

The EndNote iOS app extends library access and includes a built-in PDF viewer with annotation tools, syncing, import support for common reference files, and the ability to attach files from Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive. The app is free to download and requires an EndNote online account to sync. User feedback on the App Store is mixed, with a cumulative rating around 2.6/5, reflecting varied experiences with stability and feature polish on mobile.

Support, training and institution-level options

Clarivate provides 24/7 product and technical support via phone, chat and email for EndNote customers and institutions. Resources include official downloads, video training on the EndNote YouTube channel, documentation and an active knowledge base. EndNote offers multi-user and site licensing for universities, libraries and organisations, plus a free trial for new users.

Security, storage and continuity

• Cloud storage: EndNote Web offers cloud sync so attachments and PDFs are accessible from anywhere, with options for unlimited storage when upgraded and clear migration paths from existing libraries.
• Data protection and recovery: built-in data recovery features help protect your library investments and maintain research integrity across updates.

Who should consider EndNote

1. Academic researchers and doctoral students who manage large bibliographies and require advanced citation formatting and manuscript-preparation tools.
2. Institutions, libraries and research groups that need centralised licensing, sharing controls and training resources for campus-wide deployments.
3. Professionals and R&D teams that value integrations with Web of Science, precise citation standards and robust support options.

Getting started and contact

New users can try EndNote via a free trial and purchase desktop or institutional licences through the official site. For sales, support or enquiries about multi-user licences, contact Clarivate via the EndNote contact page at http://www.endnote.com/contact.