Unpaywall finds free versions of paywalled research papers, legally.
Unpaywall is a browser extension and open database that provides free access to research papers that are usually behind paywalls. It works by automatically searching for open access versions of articles as you browse scholarly journals and databases. When Unpaywall finds a free version, it displays a prominent link, allowing users to access the paper without paying a subscription fee. The underlying technology relies on a comprehensive index of open access content harvested from legal sources worldwide. Unpaywall primarily targets researchers, students, librarians, and anyone who needs access to scientific literature but lacks institutional subscriptions. It helps overcome barriers to knowledge access and promotes wider dissemination of research findings.
Unpaywall is a browser extension and open database that provides free access to research papers that are usually behind paywalls.
Explore all tools that specialize in find free, legal versions of research papers. This domain focus ensures Unpaywall delivers optimized results for this specific requirement.
Explore all tools that specialize in bypass paywalls on scholarly articles. This domain focus ensures Unpaywall delivers optimized results for this specific requirement.
Explore all tools that specialize in access open access content directly within your browser. This domain focus ensures Unpaywall delivers optimized results for this specific requirement.
Explore all tools that specialize in discover alternative sources for academic research. This domain focus ensures Unpaywall delivers optimized results for this specific requirement.
Explore all tools that specialize in save money on journal subscriptions. This domain focus ensures Unpaywall delivers optimized results for this specific requirement.
Explore all tools that specialize in improve research workflow by instantly finding available papers. This domain focus ensures Unpaywall delivers optimized results for this specific requirement.
Unpaywall automatically detects when a user is viewing a paywalled article and searches its database for a free, legal alternative using the DOI.
Maintains a large and up-to-date database of open access articles harvested from thousands of legal sources.
Uses the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) of an article for precise matching with open access versions, ensuring accuracy.
Provides an API for programmatic access to the Unpaywall database, enabling integration into other research tools and platforms.
Only links to legal open access versions of articles, ensuring compliance with copyright laws and ethical research practices.
Install the Unpaywall browser extension for Chrome or Firefox from the Unpaywall website.
Browse any website hosting academic articles, such as journal pages or Google Scholar.
Unpaywall automatically checks for a free, legal version of the article.
A green tab appears on the right side of the browser window if a free version is found.
Click the green tab to directly access the open access version of the article.
If no free version is found, no tab appears, indicating the article is likely behind a paywall.
Use the Unpaywall API for programmatic access to open access data (requires registration).
All Set
Ready to go
Verified feedback from other users.
"Unpaywall is generally well-received by researchers and students for its ease of use and ability to find free, legal versions of paywalled articles. Users appreciate the convenience and cost savings it provides."
0Post questions, share tips, and help other users.
A freely accessible web search engine indexing the full text or metadata of scholarly literature across an array of publishing formats and disciplines.
The free, ad-free, and open-source citation generator for academic integrity.
Accelerate research with AI-powered literature synthesis and intelligent paper parsing.
PLOS is a non-profit organization driving open science forward through measurable change in research publishing, policy, and practice.
Project MUSE promotes the creation and dissemination of essential humanities and social science resources through collaboration with libraries, publishers, and scholars worldwide.
A literature search tool that helps researchers explore, organize, and connect with academic papers.
