AI & the web
Canonical URL
The preferred address for a piece of content when several URLs represent substantially the same page.
In everyday use
A page identifies its main URL rather than a tracking-parameter variant.
What to keep in mind
Search engines treat canonical signals as guidance, not an absolute command.
Also searched as: canonical link
Further reading
Original explanation and example by Perspectism. Further reading may cover the wider subject, rather than this exact wording. Edition updated 7 October 2026.
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