How do I select import filters in EndNote?

To select import filters in EndNote, you first need to ensure the desired filters are available and enabled within the EndNote program. This is managed through the Filter Manager.

Managing Your EndNote Import Filters

Before you can select a filter during the import process, it must be accessible in EndNote. You can manage which filters are visible and active using the Filter Manager, and also download additional filters you may need.

Here's how to access and manage your filters:

1. Access the Filter Manager: Go to the Top Bar in EndNote and choose:

   • Tools
   • Import Filters
   • Filter manager

   This window lists all the import filters available in EndNote. Filters that are checked in this list will appear as options when you perform an import.

2. Enable or Disable Filters: In the Filter Manager window, scroll through the list. Check the box next to any filter you want to make available for selection during import. Uncheck boxes for filters you don't typically use to keep the list shorter and easier to navigate during import.

3. Get More Filters Online: If the filter you need is not listed, you can download additional filters from the EndNote website.

   • In the Filter Manager window, click on Get more on the Web.
   • This will direct you to the EndNote website's downloads section.
   • Go to: www.endnote.com > Downloads > import filters.
   • Look up the filter you need (e.g., for a specific database).
   • Download the filter: Use a right mouse click on the filter name and choose the option to save the linked file (often "Save Link As..." or "Download Linked File As...").
   • Save the filter: Save the downloaded .enf file. It's recommended to save it in the same folder as your other EndNote filters (the default EndNote filters folder is usually found in your Documents folder under EndNote > Filters, but check your EndNote preferences for the exact location).
   • Once saved, the new filter should appear in your Filter Manager the next time you open it, or after restarting EndNote. Remember to check the box next to its name in the Filter Manager to make it available for selection during import.

By enabling filters in the Filter Manager, you ensure they are ready for use.

Selecting a Filter During Import

Once your filters are set up in the Filter Manager, the actual selection happens when you are importing a file (like a text file downloaded from a database).

Here's the typical process during import:

1. Go to the EndNote File menu.
2. Select Import.
3. Choose File... or Folder... depending on what you are importing.
4. In the Import window, click the Choose File... or Choose Folder... button to locate the data file(s) you want to import.
5. Crucially, next to Import Option:, click the dropdown menu. Here, you will see the list of filters you enabled in the Filter Manager.
6. Select the correct import filter from this list that matches the format of the file you are importing. Using the wrong filter will likely result in garbled or incomplete imported records.
7. Choose your Duplicates: handling option (e.g., Discard Duplicates).
8. Select your Text Translation: option (usually No Translation or Unicode (UTF-8)).
9. Click Import.

EndNote will then use the filter you selected to read the data file and import the references into your library.

Ensuring the necessary filters are active in the Filter Manager is the first step to being able to select and use them effectively during your import workflows.

Summary of Key Steps:

Action	Location in EndNote	Purpose
Manage available filters	Tools > Import Filters > Filter manager	Enable/disable filters for selection during import
Get more filters	Filter Manager > Get more on the Web	Download filters not included by default
Select filter for import	File > Import > Import Option:	Choose the correct filter for your data file

Using the Filter Manager to curate your list makes selecting the right filter during import much faster and easier.