Preprints
A preprint is a version of a scientific manuscript posted on a public server prior to formal peer review. As soon as it’s posted, your preprint becomes a permanent part of the scientific record, citable with its own unique DOI.

Three ways to get started
Direct Transfer from bioRxiv and medRxiv
Have you already posted to bioRxiv and medRxiv? You can choose to have your preprint forwarded for consideration at the PLOS journal of your choice via Direct Transfer.
Post on bioRxiv or medRxiv during PLOS submission process
Want to post a preprint to either bioRxiv or medRxiv? We’ll take care of it for you! During initial submission, just opt-in to have your manuscript posted on your behalf. It will appear on the site in less than 5 days.
Post directly to the preprint server most relevant for your field
Is there a more appropriate or more specialized server for your research? Post to the relevant preprint server and share the DOI with us when you submit.
Benefits of preprints
Preprints help to create a more efficient and Open peer review process—open in terms of access, transparency, and inclusivity.
Rapid Dissemination of Your Results
Whether you’re applying for grants or tenure, working on time-sensitive research, or simply eager to share your latest work, preprints are a free, easy option for communicating your research on your own timeline without compromising potential future publication.
Increased Attention
The sooner your research becomes available, the sooner it can begin to attract attention. Share sooner with preprints and ensure that your research achieves its full potential—for readership, for citations, and for change.
Career Advancement
Post a preprint to establish priority in a competitive field, or showcase your work for grant, hiring, or tenure committees. A link to a publicly posted preprint is more illustrative and compelling than a title on a CV with the annotation “in development” or “under review.”
Community Feedback
Preliminary feedback helps authors improve manuscripts. Collegial discussion can lead to new ideas, follow-up studies, or collaborations with other research groups. Plus, you can cite your preprint in your letters of inquiry.
Inclusion
Preprints free all researchers to participate in the scientific discourse. Any author can share their latest advances on their own terms, and any interested researcher can read and provide feedback without waiting for an invitation from a journal.
Unlimited and Timely Updates
From the moment a preprint appears online to the day that the article is published in a peer reviewed journal, you can make as many updates as you want or need. Each version is numbered and incorporated into the preprint record.
Expand your preprint knowledge
“Ten Simple Rules”
What to consider regarding preprint submissions
2017
Power to the preprint
PLOS implements preprint posting as part of the journal submission process
2018
“To preprint or not to preprint?”
What’s the opportunity cost of early, non-peer-reviewed publicly available research
2019
Extending support for preprint sharing
Extending preprint posting to new PLOS journals
2021
Innovation through collaboration
PLOS (Public Library of Science) and CSHL(Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) have partnered to help researchers in the medical and life sciences share preprints with ease and freedom.
Ready to post your preprint?
Explore your options for facilitated posting at the PLOS journals.
Journal | Direct transfer
from bioRxiv |
Facilitated posting
to bioRxiv |
Direct transfer
from medRxiv |
Facilitated posting
to medRxiv |
PLOS Biology | x | x | ||
PLOS Medicine | x | x | x | |
PLOS Computational Biology | x | x | ||
PLOS Genetics | x | x | ||
PLOS Pathogens | x | x | ||
PLOS NTDs | x | x | x | x |
PLOS Climate | x | x | ||
PLOS Water | x | x | ||
PLOS Global Public Health | x | x | ||
PLOS Sustainability and Transformation | x | x | ||
PLOS Digital Health | x | x | ||
PLOS ONE | x | x | x | x |