How to Use OpenAlex

Getting started with OpenAlex

After reading this guide, you'll be able to navigate OpenAlex to search for scholarly works and access a wealth of academic publications efficiently.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to OpenAlex.
2. Click on the “Explore” button at the top right corner of the homepage. You do not need to sign up for an account as OpenAlex is completely free and open to use.

Step 2: Your first search

1. In the search bar on the homepage, type in a keyword related to your research topic or interest.
2. Press “Enter” or click on the magnifying glass icon to initiate the search.
3. Browse through the results displayed, which include articles, authors, and venues. Click on any title to view more details about the publication.
4. Use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow down results by year, type of publication, or subject area.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use specific keywords or phrases to refine your search. For example, instead of "climate," try "climate change impact on agriculture."
2. Explore the "Related Works" section on publication detail pages to discover more relevant articles.
3. Bookmark important findings by clicking the star icon next to the title for easy access later.

Pro tip

Use the “Advanced Search” feature by clicking on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the top left. Here, you can combine multiple search parameters for more precise results, saving you time in finding relevant literature.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid using overly broad or vague search terms. This can lead to an overwhelming number of results that are not relevant to your specific research needs. Be as specific as possible to improve the quality of your search results.