Connected Papers builds interactive visual graphs showing the most important prior and derivative works around any research paper.
Connected Papers helps researchers orient themselves in an unfamiliar literature quickly. Enter one paper and the tool generates a force-directed graph where nodes represent related works, sized by influence and clustered by similarity. Prior works graphs reveal the foundational papers you should read first, while derivative works graphs surface the newest research building on a topic. The similarity metric is based on co-citation and bibliographic coupling, giving structurally meaningful connections rather than simple keyword matches. The graph metaphor is intuitive: clusters reveal subfields, and node placement shows how ideas relate structurally. Researchers use it to build reading lists quickly and to check whether a paper is isolated or central. The free allowance covers occasional discovery, while power users rely on paid unlimited access.
Connected Papers is freemium. Free users can generate several graphs per month, while a low-cost monthly plan provides unlimited graphs, larger cluster controls, and export features suited to heavy research use. The paid plan is inexpensive and adds unlimited graphs along with export options for presentations.
Connected Papers is for graduate students, researchers, and science writers who need to map a field quickly and identify the essential reading around a topic. Science writers mapping a topic for articles find the visual overview saves hours of reading.
Yes, a free monthly graph allowance exists; the paid plan unlocks unlimited graphs and advanced export options. The monthly free graph allowance suits occasional use; academics working daily need the paid plan.
Connected Papers offers academic and enterprise access plans; most users interact through the graph visualization interface. Business and academic access options exist for organizations using graphs in larger projects.
Connected Papers focuses on one paper’s neighborhood, while ResearchRabbit maps evolving personal collections and Litmaps covers broader mapping workflows. Connected Papers is the fastest way to see a paper’s world; ResearchRabbit better supports evolving collections.