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EndNote 20:  From PDF files

Manage your references and create in-text citations and bibliographies. Note: This guide is for EndNote 20. EndNote X9 is no long supported.

Adding records from PDFs

Creating Records from PDF Files

EndNote can create new records from PDF files which include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the metadata or the first two pages of the PDF. EndNote sends the DOI to two online databases (PubMed and CrossRef) capable of looking up reference data by DOI. If located, the bibliographic data is then sent back to EndNote, where a record is created and the PDF attached.

If the PDF does not include a DOI, EndNote will create a record, attach the PDF and include just the file name in the Title field.

To import a single PDF file:

  • Click File > Import File and select the PDF file as the Import File
  • Select PDF as the Import Option
  • Select Discard Duplicates or Import All from
    the Duplicates drop down list as you wish
  • Click Import
 Import file window

To import a folder of PDF files:

  • Click File > Import Folder and navigate to the folder to import.
  • If sub-folders are included and you wish to import from
    these, tick this checkbox
     
  • If you want EndNote to create a separate group set for the
    imported PDFs, tick the checkbox
    Create a Group Set for this import. 
     
  • Click Import
 Import folder window