User guide
How to use Ref-Check and how to interpret its outputs.
If you would like guidance on referencing basics, common referencing issues, or how to understand Ref-Check results in more detail, visit the Learning Hub.
This guide does not describe internal system logic, rule thresholds, or implementation details.
What Ref-Check is for
Ref-Check is designed to support the checking of technical accuracy and completeness in citations and reference lists. It helps users identify potential issues such as missing references, mismatches between in-text citations and reference entries, and formatting inconsistencies.
Ref-Check is a support tool. It provides structured information to help users review and improve referencing practice, but it does not make academic, professional, or editorial judgements.
What Ref-Check does not do
Ref-Check has a clearly defined scope. It does not:
- detect plagiarism or academic misconduct
- assess writing quality, argument strength, or originality
- assign scores, risk levels, or judgements
- replace academic, editorial, or professional decision-making
Interpretation and use of Ref-Check’s findings always remain the responsibility of the user.
Getting started
To use Ref-Check, you simply upload a document. For best results, the document should contain:
- selectable text
- in-text citations
- a reference list
Ref-Check works with text-based documents where content can be reliably extracted. For details of supported file types, see the FAQs.
Running a check
Once content has been added, you can begin analysis using the on-screen controls. Ref-Check will process the document and prepare a structured report.
During processing, progress indicators are displayed. Processing time may vary depending on document length and complexity.
Understanding the report
Ref-Check presents its findings in a structured format, grouping potential issues into clear categories. These findings are intended to support review and discussion.
Examples of what may be highlighted include:
- in-text citations with no corresponding reference entry
- reference entries not cited in the text
- inconsistencies in author names, dates, or formatting
- identifiers (such as DOIs or URLs) that may require attention
Findings indicate items for review, not definitive errors. Context, discipline-specific conventions, and institutional guidance should always be taken into account.
Using Ref-Check responsibly
Ref-Check is designed to support good practice and learning. Common and appropriate uses include:
- checking referencing during drafting
- supporting formative feedback and tutorials
- helping students understand referencing conventions
- assisting editorial or professional review processes
Ref-Check should not be used as the sole basis for high-stakes decisions or judgements. Its outputs are intended to inform discussion, not replace professional expertise.
Privacy, data handling, and governance
Ref-Check is designed with data minimisation and transparency in mind. Uploaded content is processed for the purpose of the check and is not retained as a reusable corpus or used to train AI systems.
For detailed information, please see:
Getting help
If you have questions about using Ref-Check, please consult the FAQs. For guidance on referencing basics, common issues, and understanding your results, visit the Learning Hub. If further support is needed, you are welcome to contact us.
Contact: info@ref-check.co.uk
Final note
Ref-Check is designed to be calm, predictable, and explainable. It supports users in understanding and improving referencing practice while keeping responsibility for interpretation and decision-making firmly with people, not systems.