Canonical URL

Meaning

A canonical URL is the preferred web address for a piece of content when similar or duplicate versions can be reached through several URLs. Google describes a rel=canonical link and permanent redirects as strong signals of the preferred version, and a sitemap entry as a weaker one; all of them are hints, not commands. Shops with filters and sorting options often create many near-duplicate addresses, so naming one main URL avoids confusion. Use consistent internal links to the preferred version. See also: Redirect, Index, and the guide Technical SEO Basics: Speed, Mobile, Crawling and Security.