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EndNote for Mac

Guide to using EndNote on Mac computers

News & Install link

UGA Libraries is now providing EndNote 21 FREE. Do not accept web offers that require you to pay. Click for the download page. You'll look for the "I agree" section.

If you have installation issues:

  • Make sure you are Synced or backed up before proceeding.
  • Search your computer for any previous installer files, including files for previous versions or trials.
    • This includes installer files (.dmg), library files (.enl,.enlp), and style folders or files. Please ask a librarian or Clarivate Support for assistance if you are unable to delete previous EndNote versions.

Use the Mac Finder window to search for EndNote-related files

  • Back up your library (Sync preferred method) and delete these file before attempting a new installation
  • Always run your installation from a downloaded file, and never one saved in cloud space.

If still have problems, contact a trainer via the help request form, or contact Clarivate support.

What's new in EndNote 21?

The new EndNote Web now looks like the Client interface.

The new log in page is at https://web.endnote.com/login, but you will need to have EndNote 21 already downloaded and set up to use the new webspace.

Screenshot of EndNote web for EndNote 21

EndNote 21 now allows for some color tagging.

Screenshot showing new tagging feature

Compatibility Notes or Warnings

  • Both Big Sur and Monterey (the newest OS) seem to be working well with EndNote 20x.
  • Need to open a old EndNote library (9x.2 or earlier)? Check the Troubleshooting tab for Conversion information.

Mac OS Monterey, Mac OS Big Sur, Mac OS Catalina

  • All can run EndNote 20, and should run 21.

Mac OS prior to Catalina

  • If you are running Mojave or earlier, the system will run 32-bit software, but not 64-bit. The best option would be to update your OS to at least Catalina.
  • If you cannot update to Catalina due to age or limitations of your computer, you may need an earlier EndNote version,  X9.2. We no longer keep the X9.2 version on the Libraries download page. Contact Sandra Riggs, sriggs@uga.edu, to obtain X9.2.
  • If your Mac computer is having difficulties with EndNote due to compatibility issues, storage space, processor speed, or age, you may want to consider using a web-based citation manager, such as RefWorks. Contact your librarian to discuss options.

Laptop prep before installation

  • When downloading Endnote, quit your word processing program AND the whole Office suite. In other words, quit Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Closing the window (clicking the red button) is not enough. Make sure you File ->Quit.
    • It's good Mac hygiene to fully quit applications when not in use anyway!
  •  Download the Firefox web browser, or Chrome. Most users having issues exporting database references use Safari. See the Troubleshooting section.
  • Restart your Mac every few weeks to clear out the memory used to keep your place when you sleep your Mac. Sleeping your Mac is when you close the laptop rather than shut down, or when you have an automatic sleep setting due to inactivity.