How to find journals without page charges?

Identifying reputable academic journals without article processing charges (APCs) or page fees is entirely feasible. Such journals often operate under diamond open access or traditional subscription models without author-facing fees. Key strategies include utilizing specialized journal databases that allow fee-based filtering. The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) specifically lists rigorously vetted, APC-free open access journals. University library databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science) frequently offer "no publication fee" search filters. Always verify the fee policy on the journal's official "Author Guidelines" or "About" page, as database information can occasionally be outdated. Crucially, assess journal legitimacy through indexing in major services, established publishers, or society affiliations to avoid predatory outlets falsely claiming no fees. To implement this, first search the DOAJ using its "No APCs" filter. Second, utilize major academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed) with their respective fee filters enabled. Third, cross-reference promising journals by visiting their official websites to confirm current policies. This approach enables researchers, particularly those with limited funding, to publish high-quality work while maintaining financial accessibility. Institutional library support can also aid in navigating these resources effectively.