Archive of Our Own FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Archiveofourown.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is Archiveofourown (AO3)?
Archiveofourown is a fanfiction archive website where users can post and read fan-created works for various fandoms.
Can anyone join AO3?
Yes, anyone can join AO3 by creating an account.
How do I create an account on AO3?
You can create an account on AO3 by clicking the "Join" button on the homepage and filling out the required information.
Why can't I sign in to my AO3 account?
This could be due to several reasons, such as incorrect login information or a temporary server error. Please check your login information and try again or wait a few minutes before attempting to log in again.
I forgot my AO3 password, how can I reset it?
You can reset your AO3 password by clicking the "Forgot Password" link on the login page and following the instructions provided.
How do I post my fanfiction on AO3?
To post your fanfiction on AO3, log in to your account and click the "Post New Work" button on the homepage. Fill in the required information and click "Post" to publish your work.
I posted my fanfiction on AO3 but I can't find it.
Your fanfiction may not be visible to others immediately after posting due to the website's caching system. Please wait a few minutes and try refreshing the page to see if your work is visible.
Can I delete my fanfiction on AO3?
Yes, you can delete your fanfiction by going to the work's page and clicking the "Edit" button. Scroll down to the bottom and click "Delete" to remove your work permanently.
Why was my fanfiction deleted from AO3?
Your fanfiction may have been deleted if it violated the website's content policy or if there were multiple reports from other users about its content. Please review the terms of service to ensure your fanfiction meets the guidelines.
Can I edit my fanfiction on AO3 after publishing it?
Yes, you can edit your fanfiction at any time by going to the work's page and clicking the "Edit" button.
How do I search for specific fanfiction on AO3?
To search for specific fanfiction on AO3, use the search bar on the homepage or go to the "Fandoms" tab to browse works by fandom.
I'm having trouble downloading a fanfiction from AO3. What should I do?
If you're having trouble downloading a fanfiction, try using a different browser or clearing your browser's cache. If the problem persists, please report it to the AO3 support team.
Is AO3 completely free to use?
Yes, AO3 is completely free to use and does not require any payment to access or publish fanfiction.
Am I allowed to use copyrighted material in my fanfiction on AO3?
No, using copyrighted material without permission is not allowed on AO3. Please only use original content or content that falls under "fair use" guidelines.
Why am I getting an error message when trying to post a fanfiction on AO3?
This could be due to several reasons, such as a temporary server error or reaching the website's post limit. Please wait a few minutes before attempting to post again.
Is AO3 accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, AO3 has measures in place to make the site accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, you can visit the accessibility page on AO3's website.
I'm having trouble with the formatting of my fanfiction on AO3. What should I do?
If you're having trouble with formatting, try switching to the "Rich Text" option when posting or editing your work. You can also visit AO3's Text Formatting guide for further assistance.
Can I post explicit content on AO3?
Yes, AO3 allows explicit content as long as it's properly tagged and meets the content policy guidelines.
Is AO3 available in languages other than English?
Yes, AO3 is available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, and more. You can change the language settings by scrolling to the bottom of any page and clicking on the language dropdown menu.
How can I report a problem or error on AO3?
You can report a problem or error on AO3 by going to the support page and filling out the form with details about the issue.
I'm having trouble with my download or email notifications from AO3. How can I fix this?
If you're having trouble with your download or email notifications, please check your spam or junk folder first. You can also visit the emails page under your account settings to adjust your notification preferences.
I'm getting spam or inappropriate messages on AO3. What should I do?
If you're receiving spam or inappropriate messages, please block the sender and report the message to the AO3 support team. You can also visit the "Privacy and Security" page under your account settings to adjust your messaging preferences.
How do I change my username on AO3?
To change your username, go to the "Account Settings" page and click the "Edit My Preferences" button. Scroll down to the "Pseud" section and type in your desired username in the "Display Name" field. Click "Save" to apply the changes.
Can I use AO3 on my mobile device?
Yes, AO3 has a mobile-friendly version of the website that can be accessed through your mobile device's internet browser.
I'm experiencing a problem on AO3 but it's not listed in the FAQ. What should I do?
If your problem is not listed in the FAQ, please contact the AO3 support team for further assistance. You can also visit the AO3 troubleshooting page for common solutions to technical issues.
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