Step-by-step guide 2025 to getting DOIs with CrossRef and why your journal needs it
In today's digital age, digitization and editorial modernization are essential for any scientific publishing that wishes to maintain relevance, prestige, and impact within the global academic community. One of the fundamental elements in this digitization process is the Digital Object Identifier (DOI). In this comprehensive guide, we will explain in detail why you need a DOI, how to easily obtain one through CrossRef, and how to manage it effectively.
Digitization and scientific editorial management in the current context
Digitization has profoundly transformed the world of scientific editorial management . Today, readers, researchers, and reviewers expect to access academic articles quickly, from anywhere, and in easily citable and traceable formats. Incorporating digital technologies, such as DOIs, is essential to achieving these goals and maintaining the competitiveness of your scientific journal .
What is a DOI and why is it so important?
A DOI is a unique and permanent digital identifier that allows for easy location of academic documents and ensures their perpetual access. The DOI not only facilitates accurate citation but also improves the visibility and accessibility of your scientific content.
What are the benefits of having a DOI?
- Permanence and stability : Ensures that articles are always searchable, even if URLs change.
- Correct and simple citation : Facilitates a precise and stable bibliographic reference, increasing the probability of citation.
- Academic recognition : Indicates quality, rigor and editorial professionalism.
How to get a DOI with CrossRef step by step
CrossRef is the world's most recognized agency for assigning DOIs to academic publications. Here's a clear explanation of how to get your account:
Step 1: Register on CrossRef
- Visit CrossRef and complete the registration form for new publishers.
- Provide basic information about your journal and publisher.
Step 2: Choose a membership plan
CrossRef offers different plans depending on the size and volume of publishing :
- Fixed annual plan plus costs per assigned DOI.
- Ideal for small and medium-sized academic journal .
Step 3: Sign the agreement and make the initial payment
- After accepting the terms, sign the membership agreement.
- Make the initial payment according to the plan you have chosen.
Step 4: Enable your CrossRef account
Once your membership is accepted:
- CrossRef will provide you with login credentials.
- Configure your account with your basic publishing details.
Step 5: Assign DOIs to your articles
- Upload your article metadata using manual forms or XML.
- Each item will automatically receive a unique DOI.
DOI allocation costs
- Annual membership typically ranges from $150-$300 per year for small and medium-sized journal .
- Assigning each DOI has a very low cost, generally just a few cents per item.
Best practices when using DOIs
- Assign a DOI to all your articles immediately after publishing .
- Always include the DOI visible and linkable on your journal 's website and in the PDFs of each article.
- It conducts periodic audits to ensure the correct allocation and functioning of the links.
Similarity Check: Protect your content from plagiarism
Similarity Check is a tool provided by CrossRef that detects similarities and potential plagiarism. When you create your CrossRef account, you can activate Similarity Check to ensure the originality and quality of the content you publish
- It prevents plagiarism and improves editorial rigor.
- Strengthen the credibility of your journal .
Increase the visibility of your publications with DOIs
How can we at Index help you with DOI management?
At Index, we are experts in the digital and editorial management of scientific journal . We understand that starting and managing your DOI account can seem complex at first, so we offer comprehensive support:
- We handle the entire initial CrossRef membership application process, taking care of all the required documentation.
- We set up and enable your CrossRef account quickly and efficiently.
- We handle the automatic registration of DOIs for each article you publish through our platform, ensuring accuracy and speed.
- We offer ongoing support to resolve any issues related to DOI management and Similarity Check, so you can focus entirely on editorial content.
This comprehensive service is included within our editorial packages, ensuring that your journal remains competitive, up-to-date, and digitally accessible from day one.
Conclusion
Obtaining and managing DOIs through CrossRef is not only accessible and simple, but essential to improving the visibility, perceived quality, and accessibility of your scientific journal .
At Index, we are committed to simplifying this process for you, providing a complete service that allows you to focus exclusively on the editorial quality of your content.
Don't hesitate to contact us for more details on how we can help you take your journal 's digital management to the next level and prevent your publishing from losing visibility and prestige due to the lack of a DOI. At Index, we handle the entire process; book your demo today.