User guide
How to use Ref-Check and how to interpret its outputs.
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. 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.