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Writing & Publishing tool

Article Broken Link Checker

Paste HTML, Markdown or plain article text to extract HTTP links and check up to 20 public URLs for obvious broken-link responses.

Extract and check links from an article draft

Paste HTML, Markdown or plain article text to extract HTTP links and check up to 20 public URLs for obvious broken-link responses.

Unique HTTP(S) links0
Checked0
Needs review0
URLStatusResult

What the article broken link checker does

This tool helps editors audit outbound links before publication or during content maintenance. It extracts unique HTTP and HTTPS URLs from common HTML anchors, Markdown links and bare URLs, then can request response headers for a limited set of public links.

How broken-link checking is classified

Successful 2xx responses and resolved redirects are treated as reachable. A 404 or 410 is a strong broken-link signal. Authentication responses such as 401 or 403 may still point to a valid resource, while a 405 can simply mean the server refuses HEAD requests. Server errors and unusual responses should be reviewed manually.

Why a link can work in a browser but fail here

Some sites block automated requests, require JavaScript, use bot protection, depend on cookies, or reject HEAD requests. This checker is deliberately conservative and does not bypass those controls. It also checks only public HTTP(S) destinations and blocks private or reserved network addresses.

Editorial workflow

Use the checker before publishing, after migrating a site, and when refreshing older content. For links flagged for review, open the destination manually and replace obsolete sources with the most authoritative current source rather than merely removing useful citations.

Frequently asked questions

Does every 404 mean the link is permanently broken?
A 404 means the requested URL was not found at the time of checking. Verify manually in case the site uses unusual routing or temporary behavior.
Why are 401 and 403 not automatically marked broken?
Those status codes can mean a real resource exists but requires authentication or blocks automated access.
Can this checker scan an entire website?
No. It is designed for links pasted from one article draft and intentionally limits live URL checks per run.
Does the tool access private network URLs?
No. The server-side checker allows only public HTTP or HTTPS destinations and rejects private or reserved IPv4 targets.