Fetch comprehensive paper details from Crossref and OpenAlex, generate PDF reports with citations, references, and metadata.
Enter a DOI to fetch metadata (Crossref + OpenAlex), view details, and export a PDF report.
💡 Tip: Paste only the DOI (no URL). Example:
10.1145/3368089.3409715
A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a persistent identifier used to uniquely identify academic papers, books, and other scholarly works. Our DOI Lookup tool fetches comprehensive metadata from Crossref and OpenAlex, providing you with detailed information about any research paper.
Get detailed metadata from both Crossref and OpenAlex in a single search.
Automatically generate APA and MLA citations for your references.
Download professional PDF reports with all paper details for your records.
If you've ever run into a paywall while searching for a research paper, you're not alone. Every published paper has a unique code called a Digital Object Identifier (DOI). This simple string of numbers and letters helps you track down the exact paper you need, fast.
Getting papers through a DOI can save you time and frustration. It gives you a direct route to the research, with fewer wrong turns. This guide breaks down the steps for students, researchers, and academics to download papers using a DOI. You'll learn how to find and access documents quickly, so you spend more time reading and less time searching.
You’ve probably noticed those strange strings of letters and numbers at the end of research paper citations. Those are called DOIs. At first glance, a DOI might look like a secret code, but it’s actually a smart way to keep up with scientific papers, even if the papers move around online.
A DOI is like a fingerprint for articles, datasets, or even books. Instead of linking directly to where the file currently lives, a DOI links to the item itself, no matter how many times it moves online.
Every DOI is made up of a prefix and a suffix, divided by a slash. Example: 10.1234/abcd5678
Publishers assign DOIs when a paper is published, entering it into a global registry. When you search a paper using its DOI, you’re tapping into this international system, which always points to the most current location of the paper.
| Feature | DOI | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent | Yes | No |
| Directs to item | Always | Sometimes |
| Used in citations | Standard in academia | Rarely |
| Updates if moved | Yes | No |
Most journals, databases, and reference sections make DOIs easy to spot. But sometimes, it isn’t obvious. Here’s how:
| Database | Where to Find the DOI |
|---|---|
| PubMed | Citation section, sometimes at bottom |
| JSTOR | Citation tools or abstract page |
| ScienceDirect | Close to article title or abstract |
| SpringerLink | In article details or preview |
Always copy the DOI when saving citations. It ensures permanent access and easy reference later.
A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to identify content and provide a persistent link to its location on the internet. It's commonly used for academic papers, books, and reports.
The DOI is typically located near the publication details on the first page of an academic paper. It can also be found in the citation information provided by databases, or in the URL when accessing the paper online.
Crossref is the official DOI registration agency that maintains metadata about scholarly works. OpenAlex is an open catalog of the global research system that provides additional information like citation counts, concepts, and open access status.
Yes, our tool generates both APA and MLA citations that you can copy directly into your reference lists. You can also download a PDF report with all citation information.
No, you can use our tool as much as you need. However, please be respectful of the API rate limits of the services we use (Crossref and OpenAlex).