Answered By: Dave
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2025     Views: 4

Yes, you can absolutely transfer records from Zotero to EndNote using an export/import process. This typically involves exporting your library from Zotero into a file format that EndNote can read.

There are two main methods, depending on whether you want to include attached PDF files:

💾 Method 1: Transferring References Only (Recommended for Speed)

This method uses the RIS file format, which is an industry standard for reference managers.

In Zotero:

  1. Click on "File" in the top menu and select "Export Library..." (or right-click the specific collection/library you want to export).
  2. In the export dialog box, choose the file format: RIS (or "Reference Manager (RIS)").
  3. Uncheck "Export Files" if you only want the reference data (no PDFs).
  4. Click "OK" and save the .ris file to an easily accessible location on your computer.

In EndNote:

  1. Open or create the EndNote library where you want to import the references.
  2. Click "File" in the top menu and select "Import" > "File...".
  3. For "Import File", click "Choose" and select the .ris file you just saved from Zotero.
  4. For "Import Option", select "Reference Manager (RIS)" from the dropdown menu.
  5. Click "Import".

📁 Method 2: Transferring References WITH PDF Attachments

This method uses the EndNote XML format and requires a manual step to move the PDF files to the correct location for EndNote.

In Zotero:

  1. Click on "File" in the top menu and select "Export Library...".
  2. Choose the file format: EndNote XML.
  3. Make sure the "Export Files" box is checked to include your PDFs.
  4. Click "OK" and save the exported files. Zotero will save a single XML file and a separate PDF folder (often named 'Exported Items' or similar).

In EndNote:

  1. Create a New EndNote Library: In EndNote, click File > New and save a new, empty library. This is the simplest way to manage the import.
  2. Import the XML File:
    • Click "File" > "Import" > "File...".
    • For "Import File", choose the .xml file you exported from Zotero.
    • For "Import Option", select "EndNote Generated XML".
    • Click "Import".
  3. Move the PDFs:
    • Find the PDF folder that Zotero created (it was saved alongside the XML file).
    • Copy the entire contents of this PDF folder.
    • Locate the .Data folder for your new EndNote library (it will be in the same place as the library's .enl file).
    • Paste the copied PDF folder and its contents into your EndNote library's .Data folder. EndNote will automatically link the PDFs to the imported references.

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