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EndNote Basics: Using Word and EndNote

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2024 3:23 PM

EndNote and Word

EndNote's Cite While You Write (CWYW) function enables you to insert in-text citations in a Word document while simultaneously creating a bibliography for that document. If there is no EndNote tab in the Word ribbon go to the CWYW FAQ.

EndNote 21 tools in Word

Users have two options for inserting in-text citations in their Word document: adding a citation in Word and adding a citation from EndNote. Directions for each option are below.

NOTE: Always check to see if an in-text citation should appear before or after the period based on your citation style.

Adding a Citation in Word

Insert a reference in a few simple steps.

  • Click on the EndNote 21 tab in the blue toolbar/ribbon at the top of the Word document.
  • Make sure your cursor is positioned in your document where you would like to insert an in-text citation.
  • Click on "Insert Citation" icon (the button with the quotations).
    Insert Citation button
  • Perform a search to locate the references you want to insert.
  • Select the desired reference(s).
  • Click insert.

Adding a Citation from EndNote

You can also insert a citation from EndNote.

  • Click on the EndNote 21 tab in the blue toolbar/ribbon at the top of the Word document.
  • Make sure your cursor is positioned in your document where you would like to insert an in-text citation.
  • Go to EndNote. 
    • You can use the quick Go to EndNote button in Word to quickly bring up your EndNote Library.
      EndNote Go to EndNote Button in Word
  • Select the reference(s) you want to insert. Select more than one by holding down the Ctrl key.
  • Click the button with the quotes in EndNote to add citations to your Word document.

          Insert Citation button in EndNote

Selecting a Style

Reformatting your EndNote bibliography to another citation style (i.e., APA, Chicago) is easy. To do this:

  • Go to your EndNote tab in Word.
  • Select a new style using the drop down menu at the top of the screen.
  • References are reformatted to the new chosen style.
  • Every time you change the style this way, your document will be updated for you.

There are thousands of styles available. Download more from EndNote's website. See the video below to see how to add styles.