EndNote 20 for Windows

This page explains how to finalize your document by converting it to plain text. 

When you convert your document to plain text, you remove the EndNote code. In doing so, you can make any finishing touches to the document you aren't sure how, or cannot do using the "Edit & Manage Citations" function.

It is also a best practice to convert your document to plain text to prevent glitches in the EndNote code showing when you share your document with someone else. See the FAQs below for more information.

To finalize your document by stripping it of the EndNote code, use the Convert Citations and Bibliography function in the EndNote 20 tab:

1.  In Word select the Convert Citations drop-down menu on the EndNote tab.

2. Then select Convert to Plain Text. You will be prompted to see if you want to save your current document that has the EndNote code.
   Important Tip: Save your document with the EndNote code! That way, you have a backup document with your EndNote code in case you need to make any changes. Put endnote-code somewhere in the file name so you can easily distinguish it. 

3. A window will pop up telling you that a new plain text version of your document will be created, select OK.

4. Save this new version of your document with a new name.
   Tip: Put plain-text somewhere in the file name. 

• Note: You can make any editing changes to any citation in this new document. It is not connected to your EndNote library.

Q. Why should I convert to plain text?

A. To prevent anyone from messing with your EndNote code. EndNote embeds code into your Word document. Converting to plain text will strip your document of the EndNote code. It won't become a txt or Notepad file, it is still a .doc or .docx Word document, but with the background EndNote code removed.

Q. When should I convert to plain text?

A. Before you submit your paper for publication or to your supervisor. That way, your new copy of your Word document will retain all the citations and the bibliography, but will no longer be connected to your EndNote library or have code embedded within it.