Overview
engrXiv (Engineering Archive) is a community-led preprint server dedicated to the engineering community, functioning as a specialized repository within the Open Science Framework (OSF) ecosystem. Architecturally, it leverages the Center for Open Science's (COS) infrastructure, providing a robust, decentralized backbone for the storage and retrieval of technical papers, datasets, and supplemental research materials. By 2026, engrXiv has positioned itself as the primary alternative to traditional paywalled engineering journals, enabling 'Green Open Access' that complies with global mandates like Plan S. It utilizes the Crossref metadata schema to mint persistent Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), ensuring that pre-publication research is citable and findable. The platform supports a wide array of file formats and integrates directly with reference management software and ORCID identifiers. Its moderation workflow balances speed with quality control, utilizing a board of subject-matter experts to screen submissions for basic scientific integrity without the lengthy delays associated with traditional peer review. For engineering firms and academic institutions, engrXiv provides a mechanism for rapid technical disclosure and intellectual priority timestamping.