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EndNote 20 for Mac

A guide for users of the EndNote 20 software on Mac

Importing Search Results from Ovid Databases

This is the recommended way to put citations into your EndNote library. This method allows you to take advantage of the search features of the database you are using and will usually result in more precise search results. Before importing/exporting results, be sure you have the latest EndNote import filters for the databases you are searching installed on your computer.

Ovid Databases: Direct Export

  • Perform your search in MEDLINE, or any other Ovid database.
  • Select the references that you want to save.
  • Click the "Export" button at the top of the search results
  • A pop-up window will appear. 
    • Choose " EndNote" in the "Export to" field
    • Choose the fields you wish to export
    • Click the "Export Citation(s)" button
  • Depending on your browser, the next steps will vary. You may be prompted within your browser to open the file, or you may have to go to your downloads folder to open it.
    • If EndNote is not open, you will be asked to choose a library. 
    • The citations will import into EndNote.

If you receive an error message or no citations import, try the following method:

  • Open the desired Endnote library
  • In the main menu, select File > Import
  • Locate the .cgi file you saved from Ovid.
  • Click Options in the lower left corner.
  • In the Import Options drop-down menu, select MEDLINE (OvidSP). If this import filer is not listed, click Other Filters, select the desired  filter in the pop-up window, and click Choose.
  • Choose what you prefer to do with duplicates: 
    • Import All
    • Discard Duplicates, or
    • Import Into Duplicates Library
  • Click on the Import button.
  • To view the most recent batch of imported references in your Endnote library, click on Imported References in the left pane.