Zenodo
Show HN: We unionized Maxwell's Demon– A paper on labor rights in thermodynamics
Last verified:
What is Zenodo?
Zenodo is a free and open digital archive built by CERN and OpenAIRE that enables researchers to share and preserve research output in any size, format, and from all fields of research. It allows users to upload publications, datasets, software, presentations, posters, and other research materials, then automatically assigns a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to each published record for proper citation.
The platform operates in three simple steps: upload files, describe them with minimal metadata (title and creators), and publish. Once published, records receive a permanent DOI and become citable, shareable, and discoverable long-term. Zenodo supports versioning, allowing researchers to update their work while maintaining citation links to previous versions.
Zenodo is designed for researchers across all scientific disciplines, from early-career scientists to established professors, as well as institutions and funding agencies needing to comply with Open Science mandates. It particularly serves EU-funded research from Horizon Europe and Euratom through its dedicated EU Open Research Repository community. The platform also integrates with GitHub for software archiving.
Key features include communities for organizing related research, private sharing links for collaborators and peer reviewers, restricted access options, embargoes, and the ability to request access. The platform promotes scientific transparency and reproducibility by making research materials openly accessible.
Zenodo pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Zenodo is completely free. There is no paid tier or subscription. All users get free upload and free access. Each record includes 50GB default storage quota with up to 100 files. Users receive an additional 150GB allowance that can be distributed across records as needed. One-time quota increases up to 200GB per single record can be requested on a case-by-case basis. There are no limits on the number of records or communities you can create.
Zenodo pros
- Completely free to upload and free to access
- Built and maintained by CERN with institutional backing
- Automatically assigns DOI to every published record
- Supports all file types and research output formats
- No limit on number of records you can create
- 50GB default storage per record with 100 files max
- Additional 150GB quota allowance available
- GitHub integration for software repositories
- Versioning support for updating records
- Communities feature for organizing related research
- Secret links for sharing with collaborators before publication
- Restricted access with request access button option
- Embargo support for delayed public release
- Long-term preservation guarantee
- EU Open Research Repository for Horizon Europe compliance
Zenodo cons
- 50GB per record limit requires splitting large datasets
- Maximum 100 files per record unless zipped
- Cannot modify or remove files after publishing
- One-time quota increase must be requested case-by-case
- No built-in analytics for download tracking
- Limited metadata customization options
- Interface can be unintuitive for new users
- No private repositories (only secret links)
Frequently asked questions about Zenodo
What is Zenodo?
Zenodo is a free and open digital archive built by CERN and OpenAIRE, enabling researchers to share and preserve research output in any size, format and from all fields of research. It makes scientific outputs citable, shareable and discoverable for the long term by assigning DOIs to published records.
How do I publish on Zenodo?
Publishing involves three steps: 1) Upload - click the plus icon, select New upload, and upload your files. 2) Describe - fill in required metadata fields like title and creators, then save draft. 3) Publish - press the Publish button to share your research. Once published, a DOI is automatically assigned.
What file types does Zenodo accept?
Zenodo accepts research output in any size and format from all fields of research, including publications, datasets, software, presentations, posters, and more. There are no restrictions on file types.
What are Zenodo's storage size limits?
Each record has a default 50GB quota with a maximum of 100 files. Users receive an additional 150GB allowance to distribute across records. One-time quota increases up to 200GB for a single record can be granted on a case-by-case basis. There is no limit on the number of records you can create.
Can I edit my record after publishing?
No. Once you publish a record, you cannot add, modify, or remove files. However, Zenodo supports versioning, so you can create a new version of your record if you need to update it.
How do I share my data privately with collaborators?
Zenodo offers secret links that allow you to share files with collaborators or peer reviewers before making them public. Files can also be restricted from public view but shared with community members. You can choose access options like view, download, or edit permissions.
Does Zenodo integrate with GitHub?
Yes, Zenodo integrates with GitHub to archive software repositories. When you create a GitHub release, Zenodo can automatically create an archived version with a DOI. Adding a .zenodo.json file to your repository allows you to describe software metadata for preservation.
What is the EU Open Research Repository?
The EU Open Research Repository is an open community on Zenodo for EU-funded research outputs from Horizon Europe, Euratoms, and earlier Framework Programmes. It helps researchers comply with EU open access mandates for publicly funded research.
Can I test Zenodo before using the main platform?
Yes, Zenodo provides a sandbox environment at sandbox.zenodo.org where you can test the platform and experiment with uploads without publishing real research.
How do DOIs work on Zenodo?
When you publish a record on Zenodo, a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is automatically assigned. This DOI makes your research citable and provides a permanent link. Zenodo DOIs follow the format 10.5281/zenodo.XXXXXXX and can be used in academic citations.