How to search for open access articles through Google Scholar?

Searching for open access (OA) articles via Google Scholar enables researchers to locate freely accessible scholarly literature online. This method leverages the platform's extensive indexing while specifically filtering results to identify articles not restricted by paywalls. Within the standard Google Scholar search interface, the phrase "your topic" combined with specific filetype operators like `filetype:pdf` can increase the likelihood of finding full-text PDFs. More reliably, examine search results closely for indicators of open access status; these are typically labels such as "[PDF]" or "[HTML]" beside the result title, or explicit mentions like "Free Access" or links from recognized OA repositories (e.g., arXiv, PubMed Central). Be aware that not all results tagged with "[PDF]" are necessarily legitimate open access; some links may point to unauthorized or pirated copies hosted on dubious sites. Utilizing dedicated open access search tools alongside Google Scholar is often recommended for comprehensive discovery. Implementing open access search involves formulating relevant queries and scrutinizing result entries for valid OA markers indicating publisher or repository-hosted free access. This practical skill is essential for researchers without institutional subscriptions, democratizing information access, accelerating research dissemination, and fostering scientific equity across global academic communities. Prioritizing legitimate OA sources supports ethical scholarly communication.