How to download academic articles through the open access platform?

Open access platforms enable free downloading of academic articles, primarily from institutional repositories or journals publishing under Creative Commons licenses. This approach is feasible provided articles are distributed under open access terms. Key principles include utilizing search tools specifically designed for open content, such as Google Scholar with its OA filter or dedicated platforms like DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) and BASE (Bielefeld Academic Search Engine). Researchers must recognize the difference between gratis (free to read) and libre (free to read and reuse) open access, verifying the specific license terms attached to each article. It is crucial to confirm that the article version available for download aligns with the publisher's permitted sharing policy (e.g., preprint, accepted manuscript, or published version of record). Embargo periods on some versions and publisher-specific policies necessitate careful attention. To download articles via open access platforms, first identify reputable repositories or journals relevant to your field using databases like DOAJ. Search using specific keywords or article identifiers (DOI, PMID). Within the search results, locate the official open access version and access its landing page. Verify the license (e.g., CC BY) and usage permissions. Then, find and click the designated download link, usually labeled "PDF," "Full Text," or "Download." Save the file to your device for reading or integration with reference management software, ensuring compliance with license terms.