How to Submit Papers to arXiv: A Step-by-Step Guide

Author

Sonam Yang

Published

August 10, 2025

Introduction

arXiv is a free distribution service and open-access archive for scholarly articles in various fields including physics, mathematics, computer science, and more. This tutorial will guide you through the complete process of submitting your paper to arXiv.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • A completed manuscript in an acceptable format (PDF, LaTeX, or other supported formats)
  • All figures and supplementary files ready
  • An ORCID iD (recommended but not required)
  • Your paper’s abstract and metadata ready

Step 1: Create an arXiv Account

1.2 Register for an Account

Click on “register” in the top right corner of the page.

Registration link location

1.3 Complete Registration Form

Fill in your email address, username, and create a password. You’ll also need to provide your full name and affiliation.

1.4 Verify Your Email

Check your email inbox for a verification message from arXiv and click the verification link to activate your account.

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

Once your email is verified, return to the arXiv homepage and click “login” in the top right corner. Enter your username/email and password, then click “Sign In.”

Step 3: Start a New Submission

3.2 Choose Submission Type

Select whether you’re submitting a new paper or replacing/updating an existing one. For your first submission, choose “START NEW SUBMISSION.”

3.3 Understand arXiv Licenses

Before you proceed with the submission, it’s important to understand the license options available. You’ll need to choose a license later in the process, so familiarizing yourself with the options now will help you make an informed decision.

Licensing Statement

License Options Explained:

1. arXiv.org perpetual, non-exclusive license to distribute (Default)

This is the standard arXiv license. Under this license:

  • You grant arXiv a perpetual, non-exclusive right to distribute your work
  • You retain copyright and all other rights to your work
  • You can publish the paper elsewhere, including in journals
  • You can make the paper available on your own website
  • Others can read and download your paper, but cannot redistribute or reuse it without permission
  • Best for: Most academic papers, especially if you plan to publish in a journal later
2. Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0)

This is the most permissive Creative Commons license:

  • Anyone can share, copy, and redistribute your work in any format
  • Anyone can adapt, remix, transform, and build upon your work for any purpose, even commercially
  • They must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made
  • Best for: Papers where you want maximum dissemination and reuse, including commercial applications
3. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Similar to CC BY, but with an additional requirement:

  • Same permissions as CC BY
  • If someone remixes or builds upon your work, they must distribute their contributions under the same CC BY-SA license
  • This creates a “copyleft” effect, ensuring derivatives remain open
  • Best for: Papers where you want to ensure derivative works remain freely available
4. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

More restrictive than CC BY-SA:

  • Similar to CC BY-SA, but prohibits commercial use
  • Others can share and adapt your work for non-commercial purposes only
  • They must give credit and license their derivatives under the same terms
  • Best for: Papers where you want to prevent commercial exploitation while allowing academic reuse
5. Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication)

The most permissive option:

  • You waive all copyright and related rights to your work
  • Anyone can use your work for any purpose without restrictions
  • No attribution is legally required (though it’s academically expected)
  • Best for: Data papers, methodological papers, or work you want to dedicate to the public domain
ImportantChoosing Your License

Consider these factors when selecting a license:

  1. Journal requirements: Some journals require certain licenses or may not accept papers under specific Creative Commons licenses. Check journal policies before choosing.

  2. Future publications: If you plan to publish in a traditional journal later, the default arXiv license is usually safest.

  3. Reuse intentions: If you want others to build upon your work freely, consider CC BY or CC BY-SA.

  4. Commercial concerns: If you’re concerned about commercial use of your work, consider CC BY-NC-SA.

  5. Collaboration: Discuss with all co-authors before selecting a license, as all authors must agree.

When in doubt, use the default arXiv license. It’s the most conservative option and won’t interfere with future publication plans.

Step 4: Upload Your Files

4.1 Select File Format

Choose your submission format. arXiv accepts:

  • LaTeX (recommended for papers with equations)
  • PDF (for completed papers)
  • HTML with PDF
  • Other formats (PS, DVI, etc.)

File format selection

4.2 Upload Files (LaTeX Method)

If submitting LaTeX files:

  1. Upload your main .tex file
  2. Upload all associated files (.bbl, .sty, figure files, etc.)
  3. You can upload a .zip or .tar.gz archive containing all files
ImportantLaTeX File Requirements
  • Include all necessary style files and figures
  • Use standard LaTeX packages available on arXiv
  • Ensure all figure files are in supported formats (PNG, JPG, PDF, EPS)
  • Remove any confidential or personal file paths from your .tex file
  • The main file should typically be named main.tex or similar

4.3 Upload Files (PDF Method)

If submitting a PDF:

  1. Click “Choose File” or drag and drop your PDF
  2. Ensure the PDF meets arXiv requirements (text-searchable, no restrictions)
TipPDF Requirements
  • Maximum file size: 50 MB (10 MB without figures)
  • Must be searchable (not a scanned image)
  • No security restrictions or encryption
  • Embed all fonts
  • Ensure high-quality rendering of equations and figures

4.4 Process Files

Click “Process Files” to allow arXiv to process your submission. The system will compile your LaTeX files or validate your PDF.

4.5 Review Processed Output

arXiv will generate a PDF from your files. Review it carefully to ensure:

  • All equations render correctly
  • Figures appear in the right locations
  • References and citations are properly formatted
  • Page breaks are appropriate
  • No compilation warnings or errors

If there are issues, you can go back and fix your files before proceeding.

Step 5: Add Metadata

5.1 Enter Title

Provide the complete title of your paper. Avoid using excessive LaTeX commands in the title field unless necessary for mathematical notation.

5.2 Add Authors

Enter all authors in order. For each author, include:

  • Full names (first name and last name)
  • Affiliations (institutional affiliation)
  • ORCID iDs (if available and recommended for identification)

You can add multiple authors by clicking the “Add Author” button. Ensure the author order is correct as this cannot be easily changed after publication.

5.3 Write Abstract

Paste or type your abstract. Keep it concise (typically 250-500 words) and avoid:

  • Excessive mathematical notation (use plain text descriptions where possible)
  • References to figures, tables, or equations
  • Bibliographic citations
  • Unnecessary formatting

The abstract should provide a clear, standalone summary of your paper’s contributions and findings.

5.4 Enter Comments (Optional)

In the comments field, you can add useful information such as:

  • Number of pages and figures (e.g., “23 pages, 8 figures”)
  • Submission status (e.g., “Submitted to IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks”)
  • Conference information (e.g., “Accepted at NeurIPS 2025”)
  • Related papers or previous versions
  • Other relevant context

5.5 Select Categories

Choose the primary category that best fits your paper. This is crucial as it determines where your paper will appear in arXiv’s listings.

You can also select cross-list categories if your paper is relevant to multiple fields. However, be selective and only cross-list to genuinely relevant categories.

NoteCommon Categories
  • cs.AI - Artificial Intelligence
  • cs.LG - Machine Learning
  • cs.CL - Computation and Language
  • cs.CV - Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • stat.ML - Machine Learning (Statistics)
  • math.ST - Statistics Theory
  • physics.data-an - Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability
  • q-bio - Quantitative Biology
  • econ.EM - Econometrics

5.6 Add Report Number (Optional)

If your paper has an institutional report number or technical report number, enter it here. This is typically used by research institutions or laboratories.

5.7 Add Journal Reference (If Published)

If your paper is already published or accepted in a journal, add the journal reference.

Format: “Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Pages (Year)”

Example: “Nature Communications, 12(1), 1234-1245 (2021)”

5.8 Add DOI (If Available)

If your paper has been published and has a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), enter it here. This helps link the arXiv version to the published version.

Format: Enter only the DOI string (e.g., “10.1038/s41467-021-12345-6”), not the full URL.

Step 6: Review Your Submission

6.1 Preview Complete Submission

Carefully review all metadata and the generated PDF. Check for:

  • Correct title spelling and formatting
  • All author names and affiliations are accurate
  • Abstract is complete and properly formatted
  • Correct category selection
  • PDF rendering quality (equations, figures, tables)
  • No missing references or broken citations

This is your last chance to catch errors before submission, so take your time reviewing.

6.2 Make Corrections (If Needed)

If you notice any errors, use the “Previous” button to go back and make corrections. You can edit any section without losing your progress.

Step 7: Submit Your Paper

7.1 Accept Policies and Select License

Read arXiv’s submission policies carefully. Check the box to indicate you’ve read and agree to:

  • The submission terms and conditions
  • arXiv’s moderation policies
  • The licensing terms

Select your preferred license from the dropdown menu (refer back to Step 3.3 for detailed guidance on choosing the right license).

7.2 Final Submission

Click the “Submit Article” or “SUBMIT” button to complete your submission.

7.3 Confirmation

You’ll receive a confirmation screen with:

  • Your submission identifier (e.g., a temporary ID)
  • Expected announcement date
  • Instructions for what happens next

Important: Save or screenshot this confirmation page for your records.

Step 8: After Submission

8.1 Email Confirmation

Within a few minutes, you should receive a confirmation email from arXiv containing:

  • Your submission details
  • Submission ID
  • Expected processing timeline

If you don’t receive this email within an hour, check your spam folder or contact arXiv support.

8.2 Moderation Process

Your submission will be reviewed by arXiv moderators to ensure:

  • It’s scholarly work appropriate for arXiv
  • Files are processable and the PDF is readable
  • Metadata is complete and accurate
  • The submission follows arXiv policies

This process typically takes 1-2 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).

Note

Moderators don’t peer-review your paper’s scientific content. They only check that it meets arXiv’s technical and policy requirements.

8.3 Publication Schedule

If approved, your paper will be announced and published according to arXiv’s schedule:

  • Submissions are typically announced Sunday through Thursday evenings (US Eastern Time)
  • Papers submitted before the deadline (typically 2 PM EST) are announced the next business day
  • Papers submitted after the deadline are announced the following business day

8.4 Access Your Published Paper

Once published, your paper will:

  • Have a permanent arXiv identifier (e.g., arXiv:2501.12345)
  • Be freely accessible to anyone worldwide
  • Be indexed by search engines and academic databases
  • Receive a timestamp showing submission and publication dates

You can find your paper by:

  • Searching your name on arXiv
  • Using the arXiv identifier
  • Accessing your user profile page

Step 9: Updating Your Paper (Replacements)

9.1 When to Submit a Replacement

You may want to update your paper to:

  • Correct errors or typos
  • Add additional results or analysis
  • Update author information
  • Add journal reference after publication
  • Respond to feedback from readers

9.2 How to Submit a Replacement

To update an already published paper:

  1. Log in to your arXiv account
  2. Find your paper by searching for it or accessing your user profile
  3. Click on the paper to go to its abstract page
  4. Look for replacement options in the submission interface (the exact location may vary with interface updates)
  5. Follow the submission process again with your updated files
  6. In the comments field, briefly explain what changes you’ve made (e.g., “Fixed typos in Section 3, added Appendix B”)
ImportantImportant Notes About Replacements
  • Only the original submitter can submit replacements
  • Previous versions remain accessible (arXiv maintains a complete version history)
  • The arXiv identifier stays the same (e.g., arXiv:2501.12345v2 for version 2)
  • Replacements go through the same moderation process
  • You should explain changes in the comments to help readers understand what’s different

9.3 Version History

arXiv maintains a complete version history. Readers can:

  • See all versions of your paper
  • Compare versions to see what changed
  • Cite specific versions if needed

This transparency is a feature, not a bug—it shows the evolution of your research.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

LaTeX Compilation Errors

Problem: Your LaTeX files don’t compile on arXiv’s servers.

Solutions:

  • Ensure all necessary files are included (figures, .bbl file, style files)
  • Test compilation locally with a standard LaTeX distribution
  • Use standard packages that are available on arXiv
  • Remove any custom paths, system-specific commands, or \input statements pointing to non-included files
  • Check the arXiv TeX/LaTeX help page for the list of available packages

PDF Processing Issues

Problem: Your PDF is rejected or displays incorrectly.

Solutions:

  • Ensure all fonts are embedded (use pdffonts command to check)
  • Remove any security restrictions or passwords from the PDF
  • Make sure the PDF is searchable (not a scanned image)
  • Reduce file size by compressing images if it exceeds 50 MB
  • Use PDF/A format if possible for better archival quality

Metadata Errors

Problem: You made a mistake in the title, authors, or abstract.

Solutions:

  • If caught before announcement: Contact arXiv moderators immediately to request changes
  • If caught after announcement: Submit a replacement version with corrected metadata
  • For author list errors: Contact arXiv admin as author list changes require special handling

Submission Delayed or On Hold

Problem: Your submission is delayed or placed on hold.

Possible reasons:

  • The paper doesn’t meet arXiv’s scope or standards
  • There are technical issues with your files
  • Additional review is needed

What to do:

  • Check your email for messages from arXiv moderators
  • Respond promptly to any requests for information
  • If unsure, contact arXiv support with your submission ID

Can’t Find Your Paper After Publication

Problem: Your paper was announced but you can’t find it.

Solutions:

  • Search using your exact name as it appears in the author list
  • Use the arXiv identifier from your confirmation email
  • Check the correct category—papers are listed in their primary category
  • Clear your browser cache and try again
  • Check that you’re looking at the correct announcement date

Best Practices

Before Submission

  1. Proofread carefully: Have co-authors review the final version
  2. Test your files: Compile LaTeX locally or check PDF rendering
  3. Verify metadata: Double-check all author names, affiliations, and abstract
  4. Check journal policies: Ensure arXiv submission won’t conflict with journal requirements
  5. Choose timing wisely: Submit early in the week if you want faster publication

During Submission

  1. Choose categories carefully: Select the most appropriate primary category
  2. Write a clear abstract: Make it accessible to readers outside your specific subfield
  3. Add helpful comments: Include page count, submission status, and related work
  4. Select the right license: Discuss with co-authors and consider future plans
  5. Review thoroughly: This is your last chance to catch errors before going public

After Submission

  1. Save confirmation emails: Keep records of your submission ID and dates
  2. Monitor for publication: Check for your announcement email
  3. Share appropriately: Once published, share on social media and with colleagues
  4. Track citations: Monitor how your paper is cited and referenced
  5. Respond to feedback: Consider feedback from readers for future versions

For Replacements

  1. Document changes: Clearly explain what you changed in the comments
  2. Don’t over-revise: Only submit replacements for substantive changes
  3. Consider timing: Wait until you have multiple fixes rather than many small updates
  4. Maintain quality: Replacements should improve the paper, not rush out incomplete fixes

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Submitting to arXiv is an excellent way to share your research with the global scientific community quickly and freely. This tutorial has guided you through the entire process from account creation to publication and updates.

Key takeaways:

  • Prepare your files carefully before starting the submission
  • Review metadata thoroughly to avoid errors
  • Choose your license thoughtfully based on your goals
  • Be patient during the moderation process
  • Keep good records of your submissions and confirmations

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to successfully share your research on arXiv and contribute to open science. If you encounter issues not covered here, don’t hesitate to consult arXiv’s help resources or contact their support team.

Good luck with your submissions!