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EndNote X9

Guide to using EndNote reference management software

Tagging your references

When managing a very large library, you might find keywords useful as a way to organise the library and as an alternative to using Groups. You can build up a set of personal keywords gradually or you can create a set in advance. Follow the instructions below or watch the video.

To add a personal keyword:

  • Highlight the record to which you want to add a keyword.
  • In the right-hand panel, choose the Reference tab and scroll down to the Keywords field.
  • Type in your new personal keyword, remembering to use a unique prefix - see the Tip box.
  • As you add keywords, the keyword index is automatically populated with a list of your chosen keywords.
  • The next time to wish to add the same keyword to a record, simply type your unique keyword prefix and a list of your personal keywords pops up.
  • Choose the one you want to use from the list.

From the File menu, choose Save to save your changes.

To create a set of keywords in advance: 

  • From the Tools menu choose Define Terms Lists.
  • In the pop-up menu click the Lists tab and select Keywords.
  • In the Terms tab, you will see a list of the keywords already in use, including those that were automatically imported from databases.
  • Click Add Term and type in your chosen personal keyword, remembering to use a unique prefix - see Tip box.
  • Click OK to save the new keyword.
  • Later, when you wish to add the new keyword to a record, simply type your unique prefix and a list of keywords pops up.
  • Choose the one you want to use from the list.
  • From the File menu, choose Save to save your changes.

Searching for records in your library that contain your keyword

  • Click the All References folder at the top of the left-hand panel.
  • In the Search panel, build a search to find records where the Keywords field contains your target keyword.
  • Click Search and your results will be displayed in the central results panel.

If you wish to add the same keyword to a group of items, follow instructions on how to make changes to many references at once.

Adding 'tags', or keywords, to your references