Perma.cc

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perma.cc?

Perma.cc is a web-archiving tool that preserves a snapshot of an online source and creates a permanent, citable URL (a Perma link) so your references remain available even if the original page changes or disappears.

Is a Perma.cc link permanent?

Yes. Once created, a Perma link is preserved in Perma.cc’s archive and remains stable over time.

Who can use Perma.cc at EMU?

EMU faculty, staff, and graduate students can request accounts. Contact Julia K. Nims for access and support.

Can I use Perma.cc for any website?

Most publicly available webpages can be archived. Pages behind logins, paywalls, or with technical/robots restrictions may not be eligible.

What does a Perma.cc link look like?

Perma links are short, stable URLs such as https://perma.cc/G7R6-9XD4.

How do I cite a Perma.cc link?

Cite the source normally and add the Perma link at the end.
Example: Author. “Title of Page.” Site Name, Date. Original URL. Archived at https://perma.cc/XXXX-XXXX.

Does Perma.cc preserve embedded links?

Perma preserves the content of the page you capture. Links on that page may still point to the live web and are not archived automatically. If a linked page is important to your citation, create a separate Perma link for that page.

What do readers see when they visit a Perma.cc link?

Readers land on a Perma page showing the archived snapshot with capture date/time, original URL, and metadata. They can view a screenshot or the archived rendering—either way, they see the preserved version rather than the live site.

What is the difference between a DOI and a Perma link?

A DOI is a persistent identifier that resolves to a publisher’s record of a scholarly work (e.g., a journal article). A Perma link is a preserved snapshot of a specific webpage at a point in time. They’re complementary: use the DOI for the formal publication and a Perma link to stabilize any web sources (news, reports, webpages) cited in your work.

Can I keep a Perma link private?

Yes. You can restrict a Perma link so it is preserved but not publicly visible.

Does Perma.cc cost anything?

Accounts provided through EMU are free for eligible faculty, staff, and graduate students.

Questions?

Don't see your question here? Please visit the Perma.cc User Guide.

Still not finding the information you need? Email Julia Nims (jnims@emich.edu).