Export Evernote to WordPress Site - Step by Step Guide

Shreyas Patil SEO
Shreyas PatilUpdated :

If you've been using Evernote to organize your thoughts, research, and content ideas, you might be wondering how to transfer all that valuable information to your WordPress site. The good news is that moving your notes from Evernote to WordPress isn't as complicated as it might seem. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the entire process, offering multiple methods to export your Evernote content to WordPress efficiently.

Why Export Evernote to WordPress?

Before diving into the how-to part, let's quickly look at why you might want to move your content from Evernote to WordPress:

  • You want to publish your private notes as blog posts
  • You're transitioning from personal note-taking to public content creation
  • You need to migrate client work or project documentation to a website
  • You're looking to repurpose your research and ideas as online content
  • You want to create a knowledge base from your organized notes

Preparing Your Content for Export

Before starting the export process, it's smart to organize your Evernote content properly:

Clean Up Your Notes

Take some time to review and clean up the notes you plan to export. Remove any personal information, format text consistently, and make sure images are properly placed. This preparation will save you significant editing time once your content is in WordPress.

Organize Notes into Notebooks

If you haven't already done so, organize related notes into notebooks. This organization will help you maintain a logical structure when importing to WordPress, potentially mapping notebooks to categories or tags.

Check Media Files

Make sure any images, PDFs, or other attachments in your notes are the ones you want to transfer to your WordPress site. Remove unnecessary files to keep your WordPress media library clean.

Method 1: Manual Export and Import

The most straightforward approach is to manually export your notes from Evernote and then import them into WordPress.

Step 1: Export Notes from Evernote

  1. Open Evernote on your desktop application
  2. Select the note(s) you want to export
  3. Right-click and select "Export Notes..." or go to File > Export
  4. Choose HTML as the export format (.html)
  5. Select a destination folder on your computer
  6. Click "Export"

Step 2: Import Notes to WordPress

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
  2. Go to Posts > Add New
  3. Open the exported HTML file in a web browser
  4. Copy the content (Ctrl+A then Ctrl+C)
  5. Paste into the WordPress editor (Ctrl+V)
  6. Add a title, categories, tags, and other metadata
  7. Preview your post to ensure formatting is correct
  8. Publish or save as draft

While this manual method works well for a few notes, it becomes tedious if you have dozens or hundreds to transfer. Let's look at more efficient methods.


Quick Tip to ensure your videos never go missing

Videos are precious memories and all of us never want to lose them to hard disk crashes or missing drives. PicBackMan is the easiest and simplest way to keep your videos safely backed up in one or more online accounts. 

Download PicBackMan

Simply download PicBackMan (it's free!), register your account, connect to your online store and tell PicBackMan where your videos are - PicBackMan does the rest, automatically. It bulk uploads all videos and keeps looking for new ones and uploads those too. You don't have to ever touch it.

Method 2: Using Evernote's ENEX Export Format

For bulk exports, Evernote's native ENEX format offers a more comprehensive solution.

Step 1: Export Notes as ENEX File

  1. Open Evernote desktop app
  2. Select the notebook or multiple notes you want to export
  3. Go to File > Export Notes
  4. Choose "Evernote Export Files (.enex)" as format
  5. Name your export file and choose a save location
  6. Click "Export"

Step 2: Import ENEX File to WordPress

To import ENEX files directly to WordPress, you'll need a plugin. One of the most popular options is "Evernote to WordPress":

  1. Install and activate the "Evernote to WordPress" plugin
  2. Go to Tools > Import in your WordPress dashboard
  3. Click on "Evernote" in the importers list
  4. Upload your .enex file
  5. Configure import settings (author, post status, categories, etc.)
  6. Start the import process
  7. Wait for the import to complete

This method preserves more of your original Evernote formatting, including images, attachments, and note metadata.

Method 3: Using Zapier to Connect Evernote and WordPress

If you're looking for an automated solution or plan to regularly publish Evernote content to WordPress, Zapier offers an excellent integration.

Step 1: Set Up Zapier Account

  1. Create or log in to your Zapier account
  2. Click "Create Zap"

Step 2: Configure Evernote as Trigger

  1. Select Evernote as your trigger app
  2. Choose a trigger event (like "New Note" or "New Note in Notebook")
  3. Connect your Evernote account if not already connected
  4. Select the notebook to monitor for new notes
  5. Test the trigger to make sure it works

Step 3: Set Up WordPress as Action

  • Select WordPress as your action app
  • Choose "Create Post" as the action
  • Connect your WordPress site (you'll need your site URL, username, and password)
  • Configure how Evernote content maps to WordPress fields:
    • Map the note title to the post title
    • Map note content to post content
    • Set categories, tags, and other post settings
  • Test the action
  • Turn on your Zap

With this automation, new notes added to your selected Evernote notebook will automatically be published to your WordPress site based on your settings.

Method 4: Using WordPress Evernote Sync Plugin

There are several WordPress plugins designed specifically for Evernote integration. Here's how to use one of the popular options:

Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin

  1. Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard
  2. Search for "Evernote Sync" or a similar plugin
  3. Install and activate the plugin

Step 2: Configure the Plugin

  • Go to the plugin's settings page (usually under Settings or its own menu item)
  • Connect your Evernote account (you'll need to authorize the connection)
  • Configure sync settings:
    • Select which notebooks to sync
    • Set post status (published, draft, etc.)
    • Configure post author, categories, and tags
    • Set up automatic or manual sync options
  • Save your settings

Step 3: Perform the Initial Sync

  1. Initiate the first sync from the plugin's interface
  2. Monitor the progress
  3. Check your WordPress posts to ensure everything imported correctly

The advantage of this method is that it provides ongoing synchronization options, not just a one-time import.

Method 5: Using Markdown as an Intermediary Format

If you're comfortable with Markdown, this method can provide clean, well-formatted content in WordPress.

Step 1: Install a Markdown Tool in Evernote

  1. Install a browser extension like "Evernote to Markdown" or "Markdown Here"
  2. Open your Evernote note
  3. Use the extension to convert your note to Markdown format
  4. Copy the Markdown-formatted content

Step 2: Use Markdown in WordPress

  1. Install and activate a WordPress Markdown plugin like "Jetpack" (with Markdown feature enabled) or "WP Markdown"
  2. Create a new post in WordPress
  3. Paste your Markdown content
  4. Publish or save as draft

This method works well for text-heavy notes and produces clean HTML in WordPress.

Handling Special Content Types

Different types of Evernote content may require special handling during the export process.

Images and Attachments

Most export methods will handle embedded images, but here are some tips for ensuring they transfer correctly:

  • When using the manual HTML export method, images are typically included in the HTML file
  • ENEX exports include embedded images and will be imported by most Evernote WordPress plugins
  • For Zapier integrations, check that image handling is properly configured
  • Large attachments may cause issues - consider handling these separately

Tables and Formatted Content

Evernote tables and specially formatted content may not always transfer perfectly:

  • Preview all imported content to check table formatting
  • You may need to manually adjust complex tables in WordPress
  • Consider using the WordPress table block for better control
  • Code snippets in Evernote may need to be reformatted in WordPress code blocks

Checklists and To-Do Items

Evernote checklists typically convert to HTML lists:

  • Unchecked items usually import as regular list items
  • Checked items may import with strikethrough formatting
  • Consider using a WordPress checklist plugin if you heavily use this feature

Optimizing Your Imported Content

After importing your Evernote content to WordPress, take these steps to optimize it for web publishing:

SEO Optimization

  • Install an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math
  • Add proper meta titles and descriptions to each imported post
  • Optimize headings (H1, H2, H3) for better structure
  • Add alt text to images
  • Check and improve keyword usage

Formatting for Readability

  • Break up long paragraphs for better online readability
  • Add subheadings to improve content structure
  • Use bullet points and numbered lists where appropriate
  • Consider adding a table of contents for longer posts
  • Check mobile responsiveness

Adding WordPress-Specific Elements

Enhance your imported content with WordPress-specific features:

  • Add featured images to posts
  • Insert call-to-action buttons where relevant
  • Include social sharing buttons
  • Add related posts links at the bottom
  • Consider using WordPress blocks for enhanced layout

Troubleshooting Common Issues

You might encounter some challenges when exporting from Evernote to WordPress. Here are solutions to common problems:

Formatting Issues

If your content doesn't look right after import:

  • Try using the WordPress "Clear formatting" button and reapply styles
  • Check for hidden HTML in the code editor that might be causing problems
  • For stubborn formatting issues, paste content into a plain text editor first to strip all formatting, then reformat in WordPress

Missing Images

If images don't transfer correctly:

  • Check if images were stored locally or as attachments in Evernote
  • Try re-exporting with the "Export images" option checked
  • For important images, consider manually uploading them to WordPress

Large File Handling

If you're having trouble with large exports:

  • Break up your export into smaller batches of notes
  • Increase PHP memory limit on your WordPress site
  • Check with your hosting provider about import file size limitations

Maintaining Workflow Between Evernote and WordPress

If you plan to continue using both platforms, consider these workflow tips:

Creating a Sustainable Publishing Workflow

  • Use specific Evernote notebooks for content destined for WordPress
  • Develop a tagging system in Evernote that maps to your WordPress categories
  • Consider using Zapier for ongoing automation between the platforms
  • Set a regular schedule for exports/imports if doing them manually

Keeping Content Synchronized

If you update content in both places:

  • Decide on a "master" platform for each type of content
  • Use version tracking to know which is the most recent
  • Consider adding dated tags in Evernote for content that's been published

Alternative Tools for Evernote to WordPress Migration

Besides the methods already covered, these tools might help with specific migration needs:

WordPress Import Tools

  • WP All Import: Powerful plugin for importing content from various formats
  • Really Simple CSV Importer: If you export Evernote data to CSV first
  • Import HTML: Specialized for importing HTML files (like those exported from Evernote)

Third-Party Conversion Services

  • Wordable: Converts Google Docs to WordPress (can be used as an intermediary)
  • Mammoth .docx converter: If you export Evernote to Word format first
  • Notion to WordPress tools: If you move from Evernote to Notion first

Comparison of Export Methods

Method Ease of Use Best For Limitations
Manual HTML Export Easy Few notes, precise control Time-consuming for many notes
ENEX with Plugin Medium Bulk transfers, preserving formatting May require troubleshooting
Zapier Integration Complex setup, easy ongoing use Continuous publishing workflow Requires paid Zapier plan for heavy use
WordPress Plugin Medium Ongoing synchronization Plugin compatibility and maintenance
Markdown Method Medium Clean, simple content May lose complex formatting

Conclusion

Exporting your Evernote content to WordPress doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you choose the manual approach for a few notes or set up automated synchronization for ongoing content creation, the methods outlined in this guide should help you transfer your valuable notes to your WordPress site efficiently.

Remember that the best method depends on your specific needs - the volume of notes, how often you'll need to transfer content, and how much formatting you need to preserve. Take some time to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for your workflow.

By following this guide, you can transform your private Evernote collection into published WordPress content, reaching a wider audience with the ideas and information you've carefully collected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I automatically publish new Evernote notes to WordPress?

Yes, you can set up automatic publishing from Evernote to WordPress using tools like Zapier or dedicated WordPress plugins. These tools monitor specified Evernote notebooks and automatically create WordPress posts when new notes are added, saving you significant time in your content workflow.

Will my Evernote formatting be preserved when importing to WordPress?

Most basic formatting (bold, italic, lists, etc.) transfers well to WordPress. However, more complex elements like tables, code blocks, or specialized formatting might need adjustment after import. Using the ENEX format with a dedicated plugin typically preserves more formatting than simple copy-paste methods.

How do I handle images when exporting from Evernote to WordPress?

When exporting from Evernote, make sure to use a method that includes images, such as ENEX export or HTML with resources. Most Evernote WordPress plugins will automatically extract and upload images to your WordPress media library. For manual methods, you might need to upload images separately and reinsert them.

Is there a limit to how many notes I can export from Evernote at once?

Evernote doesn't impose strict limits on export quantities, but very large exports (hundreds or thousands of notes) might cause performance issues. For large migrations, consider breaking your export into smaller batches by notebook or tag. Additionally, your WordPress hosting might have PHP timeout or file upload size limitations for imports.

Can I keep my Evernote tags as WordPress categories or tags?

Yes, many Evernote-to-WordPress plugins offer mapping options that convert Evernote tags to WordPress categories or tags. If using manual methods, you'll need to add categories and tags yourself. For Zapier integrations, you can set up rules to map specific Evernote tags to corresponding WordPress taxonomies.

95,000+ PicBackMan Users

95,000+ Users Trust PicBackMan To Backup Precious Memories

money back guarantee
Kip Roof testimonial Kip Roofgoogle photos flickr
PicBackMan does exactly what it's supposed to. It's quick and efficient. It runs unobtrusively in the background and has done an excellent job of uploading more than 300GB of photos to 2 different services. After having lost a lot of personal memories to a hard drive crash, it's nice to know that my photos are safe in 2 different places.
Julia Alyea Farella testimonialJulia Alyea Farella smugmug
LOVE this program! Works better than ANY other program out there that I have found to upload thousands of pictures WITH SUB-FOLDERS to SmugMug! Thank you so much for what you do! :) #happycustomer
Pausing Motion testimonialPausingMotionsmugmug
I pointed PicBackMan at a directory structure, and next time I looked - all the photos had uploaded! Pretty cool. I use SmugMug and while I really like it, the process of creating directories in is pretty laborious when you need to make 80+ at a time. This was a breeze. Thank you!