Note: The license for Refworks ends per 1.1.2026. ( more info )

Before starting this, make sure you have access to Endnote and an account.

• Steps to set up Endnote (guide)
  • To use EndNote on the UMCG network or on the Microsoft Surface ("NextGen" laptop) please contact the Medical Library at refman@umcg.nl
  • Create a library & create a sync account.

Export your Refworks library

• 1. In your RefWorks account, go to the Share menu and choose Export references

  

  2. Select the references you want to export (e.g., All or Selected references), select RIS Format and click the Export button.
  Note: If you want to keep your Folder structure, you need to do a Folder-by-Folder export, and re-create the folders in your Endnote library as "groups". 

  

  3. Soon export.ris file will be downloaded.

4. Create a new EndNote library, or open an existing one to import the text file.

5. From the EndNote File menu, choose Import.



6. Click the Choose File button to locate the saved export.ris from Downloads folder and on the Import Option drop-down list, choose “Reference Manager (RIS)." The selections for Duplicates and Text Translation do not require adjusting unless your operating system is using a language setting other than English. 



7. Click on the Import button. EndNote will present your references in a library window. You may view the imported references by clicking on the Unfiled folder listed under the All References.

NOTE: You cannot automatically transfer file attachments (e.g. PDF files) from RefWorks into EndNote.
You would have to manually attach the file attachments or use Find Full Text in EndNote or use the File / Import feature in EndNote to import a folder of file attachments downloaded from RefWorks.