Can you download article PDFs from Nature?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ability to download PDF versions of articles from Nature Publications, specifically focusing on Nature Physics. Participants explore issues related to subscription access, article formatting, and potential changes in download options.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that they previously could download articles but recently found the "Download PDF" option missing for a Nature Physics article, questioning if this is related to a subscription change.
  • Another participant suggests that some articles may be protected due to piracy concerns or that subscription terms might have changed, recommending checking with institutional librarians.
  • A different participant clarifies that Nature Physics is not open access and that access is contingent on institutional subscriptions.
  • One participant argues that the issue may relate to the format of the article rather than subscription status, mentioning a trend where PDF downloads have become less prominent as online viewing becomes more common.
  • Another participant claims they can still download PDFs from Nature Physics, implying the issue may be specific to the original poster's situation.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster was able to download articles again, suggesting the issue was a temporary error with the institution's server.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the issue is related to subscription changes, article formatting, or individual access problems. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of these changes.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the specific reasons for the missing PDF option, including potential changes in institutional subscriptions, article formatting practices, and temporary server issues.

HAYAO
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I belong to an institution where they are subscribed to view the article contents in Nature Publications.

I used to be able to download articles without problem but recently, I tried downloading a research article from Nature Physics, but the "Download PDF" option was missing, although the main content can still be viewed online. Strangely enough, the "Download PDF" is available for open access like Nature Communications. I might be missing something, but is anyone experiencing the same thing? Is this a subscription change thing?
 
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It could be some articles are being protected due to piracy issues Or the subscription has changed. I know for books available online, some can be downloaded while others limit it to specific chapters or page views.

i would check with your institutions librarians for the details In this case.
 
Nature Physics is not open access, so if one does not have a subscription, there is a button that says "Access through your institution".
 
I don't think this has anything to do with subscriptions, from what I can tell the OP is asking about the FORMAT of the article; not the content.
It used to be that the "primary" version of article was the printed version and the PDF therefor usually be format which was easiest to read.
These days most people read the journal online and the icon for downloading the PDF version has gradually become less prominent.
Personally, I haven't come across an article where the PDF wasn't available at all; but it doesn't surprise me if it has started disappearing altogether. Many articles now include figures, animations etc that are best viewed in pop-up windows in the browser so it could be that they've stopped formatting some as PDF altogether.
 
I am able to download PDFs of articles in Nature Physics, so the problem may be at your end (either with your institution's subscription or with your connection to your institution's subscription).
 
It seems like it was a temporary error on the institution server. I am now able to download articles.

Sorry for the hassle. Thank you guys!
 

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