How to download the PDF file of an academic article?

Academic article PDFs are typically accessed through official publishing platforms or institutional library portals, requiring user authentication or purchase where paywalls exist. Feasibility depends on authorization via subscriptions, open access status, or repository availability. Key prerequisites include valid institutional login credentials or individual payment. Principal methods involve publisher websites, library-subscribed databases, or recognized preprint repositories like arXiv. Ethical adherence requires avoiding unauthorized sharing platforms. Scope covers subscription-based, hybrid open access, or fully open access publications; paywalls restrict non-subscribed proprietary content. Implementation begins by identifying the target article's DOI or title. Access via library-subscribed databases (e.g., ScienceDirect, JSTOR) using institutional authentication is primary. For open access articles, publisher portals or disciplinary repositories provide direct downloads. Preprint servers offer early versions. If paywalled without institutional access, consider legal alternatives such as publisher purchase or open access repository searches via tools like Unpaywall or Google Scholar.