Formatting a DOI as a link
Write a DOI as a full clickable hyperlink starting with https://doi.org/, followed by the DOI number — for example https://doi.org/10.1037/example12345. When a source has a DOI, APA style prefers it over a plain URL, since a DOI stays valid even if the source moves to a different web address later.
When there's no DOI
If the source doesn't have a DOI, use its direct URL instead, formatted as a hyperlink the same way. Only include a URL if it will actually resolve for your readers — don't link to a page that requires a login or a paywall your readers won't have access to.
Punctuation rules
- No "Retrieved from" or "Accessed from": because the DOI or URL is a clickable hyperlink, current APA guidance drops that phrase entirely — the reference just ends with the link.
- No trailing period: a period immediately after the link can break it when clicked, so APA leaves it off.
- Styling is flexible: either your word processor's default link style (blue, underlined) or plain unstyled text is acceptable — accuracy matters, not appearance.
- Copy the link directly from your browser rather than retyping it, to avoid transcription errors that quietly break the link.
Hyperlinking a whole reference list
Working through a full bibliography? Paste your list of DOI or source URLs into the bulk hyperlink generator to convert the whole list into hyperlinks at once, instead of formatting each reference by hand.
Reference: APA Style — DOIs and URLs.
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