EndNote Basics: Using Word and EndNote

Last Updated: Sep 27, 2024 3:31 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.

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).
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.
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.

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.

Creating a Standalone Bibliography in Word

To create a separate standalone bibliography in Word, follow the steps below. This works best if you put all needed references into a separate Group or if you are creating a bibliography from all references in your EndNote Library.

Ensure the correct referencing style is chosen within EndNote.
Highlight all the references in your library or group as appropriate (select one reference then press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all).
Right-click and select 'Copy Formatted Reference' or press Ctrl + K on your keyboard.
Open a blank Word document and paste the references into it.
This document will display your full bibliography in your chosen style.