When a source trail should include an archived link

A source trail should include an archived link when the cited page is likely to change, disappear, or remove the exact claim being summarized.

Archive links are most useful for pages that are not stable records: pricing pages, changelogs that roll forward, support articles, public notices, campaign pages, product comparison pages, and pages with no visible version history. If a summary depends on wording that may change, the archived copy helps future readers understand what was visible when the note was written.

Not every source needs an archive. Some documents already have stable versions, official PDFs, permanent identifiers, or release tags. In those cases, the canonical source may be enough. The point is not to create a second link for every citation, but to preserve evidence when the page itself is part of a changing system.

A useful source trail keeps both roles clear. The live link shows current status. The archived link shows the cited state. If the live page changes later, the summary can be corrected without pretending the earlier citation never existed. This is especially useful for product limits, eligibility rules, API response examples, and public policy pages.

The archive note should include the capture date and the reason for archiving. “Archived because page has no version history and contains current plan limits” gives future editors a clear reason to keep or replace the archived link.

When a source trail should include an archived link

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