1
Upload a document
Upload written work that includes a reference list. Ref-Check reads the document structure and separates the main text from the references where possible.
Clear process. Rule-based checks. Human judgement.
How Ref-Check works
Upload your work, review the findings and share for feedback if you choose.
Ref-Check uses structured, rule-based checks to help you examine citations, reference lists and source details. It provides practical guidance on potential issues, while optional sharing lets a person you invite add their own feedback.
No generative AI or machine-learning models.
Ref-Check uses deterministic logic, trusted metadata sources and explainable checks. Human academic and professional judgement stays central.
The workflow
From upload to findings in three clear steps.
Ref-Check provides structured information about citation and reference accuracy. It does not judge the quality of the work or make decisions for the user.
2
Run the checks
Choose a referencing style and let Ref-Check check citation matching, reference entries, identifiers such as DOIs and URLs, and supported in-text citation formatting.
3
Review the findings
Open focused findings, locate issues in the document and use Show Me for supported citation-formatting guidance. Decide what needs attention and use the report when helpful.
What happens behind the scenes
Ref-Check looks for patterns that take time to spot manually.
The checks are designed to make the reference trail easier to see, while leaving interpretation and action to the person reviewing the work.
In-text citation detection
Finds author–date citations and compares them with the reference list.
Matching and gaps
Highlights citations with no matching reference and references that do not appear to be cited.
In-text citation formatting
For confidently recognised standalone parenthetical citations, checks selected punctuation, author separators, spacing and no-date conventions against the chosen style. More complex cases may be excluded.
Source checks
Uses trusted bibliographic and metadata sources to indicate where details may need closer review.
After the checks
Understand the guidance. Share when it helps.
Ref-Check highlights matters for review, not verdicts about the quality of the work. You can act on the findings yourself or invite a person you trust to add their perspective.
Understand a suggested citation format
- Open a formatting finding for a recognised in-text citation.
- Select Show Me to see the suggested form for the chosen referencing style.
- Consider the suggestion in context and decide whether to amend the document.
These checks are deliberately selective. They are not an exhaustive assessment of every citation or of the full reference list.
Invite a human reviewer
- Create a secure, time-limited invitation for someone you choose.
- They sign in to view the document and findings, highlight passages and add comments.
- Once submitted, their feedback is available to you. You remain in control of access and can revoke it.
Useful for tutors, supervisors, colleagues, editors and peer reviewers. Sharing and reviewing use no credits, and reviewers cannot change the original document.
Designed to stay explainable
Transparent checks, clear limits and secure handling.
Ref-Check is built to support review rather than replace it. Its role is to surface useful information so users can make informed academic, professional or quality decisions.
Not generative AI
Uploaded work is not processed by external generative AI or machine-learning services.
Predictable logic
Checks follow deterministic, explainable processes rather than opaque judgement.
Stored for review
Content is stored securely to support reporting, user access and review.
Judgement stays central
Ref-Check highlights findings; users decide what those findings mean in context.
Ready to see how Ref-Check works?
Start a check, explore the features, or use the Learning Hub for plain-English referencing guidance.