Skip to Main Content

EndNote

EndNote (EN) is a software for automating the many repetitive steps involved in organizing and formatting the references and bibliography in your academic writing. EndNote Online is the web version of EN, with fewer features.

Comparison of Endnote and Zotero

The following table is meant as a very quick, brief, and general comparison of EndNote Desktop and Zotero. The selection and use of your choice of software will depend on your particular needs and preferences.

 

 

Software Feature

EndNote Desktop

Zotero

1

Offline and/or Online Use
  • EndNote desktop library can be accessed on your laptop/PC without internet access
     
  • The online version, EndNote Online (formerly EndNote Web) is free with limited storage and records capacity. Records can be synced between the desktop and online accounts

Your Zotero library can be accessed from your laptop/PC without internet access if you choose not to sync your data to the cloud

2

Collaboration, Sharing & Networking Features
  • Generally simple and basic library sharing functionalities
  • EndNote Online account setup is required before sharing functions can be done on EndNote desktop

Collaboration with other Zotero users is easy and seamless if you sync to Zotero cloud. 

3

Getting Records into the Library
  • Export records from major databases and Google Scholar as an .ris file
  • Import PDF files that contains DOI
  • Manual entry and editing
  • Capture records from the web and databases using the Zotero Connector plugin
  • Import PDF files that contains DOI

4

General Browser Compatibility
(Some databases are generally not optimized for certain browsers)

 
  • Edge

OK

OK

 
  • Firefox

OK

OK

 
  • Chrome

OK

OK

 
  • Safari

Not ideal

Not ideal

 
  • Internet Explorer

Not compatible

Not compatible
       

5

Compatibility with authoring  software

[Known as Cite While You Write]

 

 
  • Microsoft Word

OK

OK

 
  • Google Docs

Compatible only with EN Online

OK if your Zotero account uses a gmail

 
  • Papers

Papers version 4 and below only

Incompatible

 

 

 

 

6

Storage of Attached Files
(e.g. pdf files)
  • Import of PDF files from your PC supported
  • Attached files are held in your own computer only unless synchronised with EndNote Online
  • Import of PDF files from your PC supported
  • Attached files are held in the Zotero cloud

7

Other Comments
  • Highly recommended for staff & students doing Systematic Reviews
  • Desktop version requires license purchase (free to current NUS Staff & Students)
  • Free to use with default 200MB storage capacity (option to purchase additional storage).
  • Suitable for those who may need to use it individually and/or for intensive collaborative purposes
  • Preferable for Law staff/students who require OSCOLA output style