Clarivate have released the X9.3 update to Endnote. This converts Endnote into a 64-bit application, ensuring its continuing compatibility with MacOS. We recommend anybody using Endnote X9 completes this update, but especially if you intend to upgrade to MacOS Catalina.
If you have already updated to Catalina you will need to reinstall EndNote X9.3.1 Here's the link (don't forget to save a backup of your Library beforehand).
Please note that if you currently use X8 and wish to update, you will need to follow a different process. You will need to go to the Library website, or ICT’s software installer if you have it, and download X9. Here’s the link. Simply run the installer file and you’re good to go (you don’t need to delete your old version of Endnote before installing – and all your setting will migrate across).
The process has a few more steps than a typical Endnote upgrade, which is why I’ve written this step-by-step guide. Please read through the process below before upgrading, as it explains all the necessary steps you need to have your Endnote up and running. I’ve tested this all on two Macs this morning, just to iron out all the kinks.
If you use the sync function in Endnote (you should!), please run a sync before upgrading.
In Endnote, go to the 'Endnote X9' menu and select 'Check for updates...'. It will prompt you to run the updater.
How to open your old Endnote Library
Because of the move to a 64-bit architecture, Endnote will need to convert your old Library (which means that it will create a new copy of the Library). There are three scenarios in this case: if you have a library and data folder, if you have a library package, and if you sync your library to the cloud.
Simply open the library file, and Endnote will prompt you that it needs to convert the Library. Do this and make a note of where your new Library and data folder is saved (you can also move these to a more useful location once this process is complete. Make sure the files remain side-by-side, and do not store them on a service like Dropbox or OneDrive).
When prompted, you can also save this new copy as a ‘package’ file, which means that if you ever need to copy your Library to a USB, you only need to manage one file, rather than a file and a folder.
Endnote will not automatically update this package. You will need to right-click it, and select ‘Show Contents’. This will open up a window that shows the .enl file and associated .Data folder. Open this .enl file and the process will be the same as above.
This is the easiest option. Make sure you have synced your library before upgrading Endnote. Once this is done, proceed with the upgrade. After it is complete, Endnote should open a new, empty library.
To restore from the cloud, simply click the ‘Sync’ button. You will be prompted to confirm you want to merge libraries - accept this and allow the sync to proceed (this can take some time if your Endnote library was quite large).
Scenarios:
I am on X9 and I intend to update my Mac to Catalina
Great! This is the ideal situation to be in – new software adds new features (such as dark mode), squashes bugs (it’s more stable and faster), and ensures your system runs smoothly into the future.
Follow the guide above to update to X9.3.
I am on X8 and I intend to update my Mac to Catalina
Bow bow, X8 will continue to be a 32-bit application, and will not be supported. However, this is easily fixed – you can simply upgrade to X9. X9 works practically the same as X8, so you don’t have to get used to new software
You will need to go to the Library website, or ICT’s software installer if you have it, and download X9. Here’s the link. Simply run the installer file and you’re good to go (you don’t need to delete your old version of Endnote before installing – and all your setting will migrate across).
I am an Endnote user, and I don’t intend to update my Mac to Catalina
You should be fine, but as with all software, it’s strongly recommended that you always update to the latest version. Software updates correct bugs, maintain compatibility, close security vulnerabilities, and add cool new features.
If you would like help updating software – either your device or Endnote, you can reach out to ICT or get a referral from your Academic Liaison Librarian.
I don’t even know what version of anything I’m using!
You’re not alone – most people either hit update, allow automatic updates, or don’t care about updates. Very few keep track of which version they’re using. To check your software version:
MacOS
Click the little Apple icon at the top-left of your screen and select ‘About This Mac’. You’ll see a box pop up that will say something like ‘macOS Mojave’ (the latest version – you may also see High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan…or something even older). You want this to say ‘Mojave’ – so if it doesn’t, simply head to the App Store and look for the Mojave upgrade (it’s free).
Endnote
In Endnote, select the ‘Endnote’ menu, and then select ‘Endnote X9’ (or whatever version you’re running). It’ll bring up a box that tells you your Endnote version and build number. The latest is Endnote X9.3.1, Build 15142.
I don’t use Endnote what are you even talking about?
You should be! Endnote is an efficient and useful way to manage referencing, research notes, and to sync and backup your literature. Contact your Academic Liaison Librarian to find out more, or visit our Endnote Subject Guide.
Because Catalina does not support old versions of Endnote, you need to update Endnote before upgrading to Catalina. If you have already updated to Catalina you will need to reinstall EndNote X9.3.1 Here's the link (don't forget to save a backup of your Library beforehand).
You'll need to be using Endnote X9 to update to X9.3. To do this, you need to install Endnote X9 from ICT, then run the updater to bring the version to X9.3.
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