Canonical URL Generator

A canonical URL tells search engines which version of a page is the "master" copy when multiple URLs serve the same or similar content. This prevents duplicate content issues that can dilute your ranking potential.

When to Use Canonical Tags

• Parameter variations: When URLs differ only by tracking parameters (utm_source, etc.).
• Protocol versions: HTTP vs HTTPS versions of pages.
• www vs non-www: Both versions accessible.
• Trailing slashes: /page and /page/ serve same content.
• Case variations: /Page vs /page.
• Syndicated content: Content republished on other sites.
• Mobile versions: m.example.com vs example.com.

Canonical Best Practices

• Use absolute URLs: Always include the full URL with protocol.
• Self-referencing canonicals: Every page should have a canonical tag, even to itself.
• Consistent formatting: Pick one URL format and use it everywhere.
• One per page: Only include one canonical tag per page.
• Match canonical to sitemap: URLs in sitemap should be canonical versions.

Common URL Variations

Canonical vs 301 Redirect

• Use canonical: When you need both URLs accessible (e.g., tracking parameters).
• Use 301: When one URL should completely redirect to another.
• Canonicals are hints: Search engines may ignore them. Redirects are enforced.

Common Canonical Mistakes

• Canonicalizing to blocked pages: Don't canonical to pages blocked by robots.txt.
• Chaining canonicals: Page A canonicals to B, B canonicals to C. Point directly.
• Wrong domain: Canonical pointing to different domain unintentionally.
• Multiple canonicals: More than one canonical tag confuses search engines.
• HTTP in canonical: Always use HTTPS in canonical URLs.