Can I still make my article open access if it’s already published?

Generally, Elsevier doesn't offer authors the option in hybrid journals to retrospectively make an article open access after publication.

However, we realize that sometimes there are exceptional circumstances and we want to assist authors where possible. Authors who have published their article under the subscription model in a hybrid journal may be able to convert the article to open access, subject to payment of the associated article publishing charge (APC). Please see below on how to request open access for your published article.

To learn more, read ‘Retrospective open access’ in Elsevier’s pricing policy pageopens in new tab/window.

Check whether your journal supports open access and what the Article Publishing Charge (APC) is by consulting the open access section in your journal's Guide for Authors — which you will find via the journal homepage or use our journal catalog to search alphabeticallyopens in new tab/window.

How to request open access for your published article

To request open access, find the email you (or the article’s corresponding author) received when your article was accepted, then use the link to the Rights and Access form. Complete the form, selecting open access when it gives you the option. If the form was previously submitted for your article, you will need to make the necessary changes and resubmit.

If you don't have access to this form, please click the "Chat with us" icon at the bottom‑right and provide your article reference, DOI or full article title. The link to the Rights and Access form will then be re-sent to the corresponding author on request and open access ordered.

If you have older articles or have missed the deadline and still wish to share these articles, we have the self-archiving option which enables you to post your accepted manuscript.

If you would like more information on self-archiving option, please visit the open access page from our websiteopens in new tab/window.

Still have a question?

We can help. Click “Chat with us” at the bottom right to reach Eva, our virtual assistant. If none of the suggested topics match your question, choose the option for other topics. Then tell Eva your open access query, including your article reference or invoice number if you have one, and Eva will help directly or connect you with the right team.