canonical URL
The single URL a page declares as the official version when duplicates exist — set via a rel=canonical link.
Definition
A canonical URL is the version of a page a site declares as authoritative when the same content is reachable at multiple URLs (query parameters, tracking IDs, syndication). Search engines and AI crawlers consolidate ranking signals on the canonical. Setting an incorrect canonical is a common SEO self-injury that silently demotes the real page.
When to use
See also
- sitemap — An XML file listing the URLs a site wants search engines and AI crawlers to discover and index.