# How to Download EndNote X20 for Free and Manage Your References
EndNote X20 is a powerful software that helps you manage your references and citations for your research papers and projects. With EndNote X20, you can:
- Search and import references from online databases and libraries
- Organize and annotate your references in groups and folders
- Create and format bibliographies and in-text citations in various styles
- Sync and share your references across multiple devices and platforms
- Collaborate with other researchers and access their references
However, EndNote X20 is not a cheap software. It costs $249.95 for a single user license, which may be too expensive for some students and researchers. If you are looking for a way to download EndNote X20 for free, you might be tempted to search online for websites that offer such downloads. However, this is not a good idea for several reasons. In this article, we will explain why you should avoid downloading EndNote X20 for free, and what are some better alternatives.
## Why You Should Avoid Downloading EndNote X20 for Free
Downloading EndNote X20 for free is illegal, unethical, and risky. Here are some of the reasons why:
- **It is illegal.** EndNote X20 is protected by copyright laws and licenses that prohibit unauthorized distribution and use. By downloading EndNote X20 for free, you are violating these laws and licenses, and you could face legal consequences such as fines or lawsuits.
- **It is unethical.** EndNote X20 is the result of hard work and creativity of developers and designers who deserve to be compensated for their efforts. By downloading EndNote X20 for free, you are depriving them of their rightful income and disrespecting their work.
- **It is risky.** Websites that offer EndNote X20 for free are often unreliable and unsafe. They may contain malware, viruses, spyware, or other harmful programs that can damage your computer or steal your personal information. Moreover, the software may not work properly or may cause errors or glitches in your references.
## What Are Some Better Alternatives
Instead of downloading EndNote X20 for free, you should consider some of the better alternatives that are available online. Here are some of them:
- **Free trial version.** EndNote offers a free 30-day trial version of its software that you can use to test its features and functionality. You can download it from the official website:
https://endnote.com/downloads/30-day-trial/- **Student discount.** If you are a student, you can get a 50% discount on EndNote X20 by verifying your academic status with Student Beans:
https://endnote.com/buy/student/- **Free or low-cost alternatives.** There are also many free or low-cost reference management software options that you can use without breaking the law or risking your computer. Some examples are Zotero, Mendeley, BibTeX, Citavi, and RefWorks. These software have different features and capabilities, so you can choose the one that best fits your project and budget.
## Conclusion
Downloading EndNote X20 for free is not worth the hassle and the risk. You should avoid it and opt for some of the better alternatives that we have mentioned in this article. By doing so, you will be able to manage your references legally, ethically, and safely.