'Absolute' vs. 'relative' paths for EndNote file attachments

When you add file attachments to an EndNote record, such as PDf files, you can choose between creating a 'relative' path to the attachment, or an 'absolute' path. What this means is that when you create a relative path EndNote makes a copy of the original file and places it in the .DATA/PDF folder that is part of your EndNote library. This saves the file as a ‘portable link’ that can move as part of the library:



If you open Preferences from the EndNote Edit menu, under URLs & links you'll see that the check box is automatically selected to create relative links:



When you add a file attachment to a record EndNote makes a copy of the original file and places it in the .DATA/PDF folder. This saves the file as a ‘portable link’ that can move as part of the library. EndNote will always be able to access the file,even when you open the library on another computer (remember to always include the complete DATA folder along with the .ENL file).

If you remove the check mark from Preferences/URL & Links, EndNote will use the complete path and file name to look in the original folder for the inserted file. This can be helpful if you plan to edit the original file. However, if you move the file from the original folder, EndNote will not be able to access it unless you reinsert it from the new location. Because the attachment has not been copied to your .DATA file, if you send your library to a colleague the attachment is not included.