Unpaywall
Browser extension for finding free legal copies of research papers
✓Free
🌐Web
About
Unpaywall is a free browser extension that instantly locates legal, open-access versions of academic research papers that would otherwise be behind paywalls. It empowers educators and students by providing immediate, unrestricted access to scholarly literature, crucial for research, teaching, and learning, without the financial burden of subscriptions. This democratizes access to vital scientific and academic knowledge.
How to Use
1. Install the Unpaywall browser extension for your specific web browser.
2. When viewing an academic paper's page (e.g., publisher site, DOI link), look for a green lock icon on your screen.
3. Click the green lock icon that appears to instantly access a free, legal open-access version of the research paper.
4. If no green lock appears, a free version is likely not available through Unpaywall.
Available On
web
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Unpaywall?▾
Unpaywall is a free browser extension that helps users instantly find legal, open-access versions of academic research papers. It streamlines access to scholarly articles often hidden behind paywalls, leveraging a comprehensive database of open content. This tool is invaluable for students and researchers on an education platform seeking quick access to knowledge.
Is Unpaywall free?▾
Yes, Unpaywall is completely free to use. It operates as a non-profit initiative, dedicated to making research freely accessible worldwide. There are no subscription fees or hidden costs, making it an excellent, cost-effective resource for educational institutions and individual learners.
Who is Unpaywall best for?▾
Unpaywall is ideal for students, academics, researchers, and anyone needing free, legal access to scholarly literature. It's particularly beneficial for users within an AI-in-education platform who require quick, legitimate sources for assignments, research projects, or staying current with academic advancements without institutional paywall access.
How does Unpaywall work?▾
Unpaywall works by scanning the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) of a paper you're viewing. It then queries its massive database of millions of open-access articles from thousands of institutional repositories and publishers. If a free, legal version is found, a green tab appears, linking you directly to the full text.
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