How to Use Turnitin or iThenticate Before Journal Submission
Learn how to use Turnitin and iThenticate to check plagiarism before submitting your research paper to an international journal.
Before submitting a research paper to an academic journal, checking for plagiarism is a crucial and often mandatory step. Whether you are publishing in a Scopus, Web of Science, or any other reputable journal, ensuring your work is original not only maintains academic integrity but also protects your reputation and increases your chances of acceptance.
In this article, we will explore where and why plagiarism checking is essential, how to use plagiarism detection tools like Turnitin and iThenticate, compare the two, and help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Where Do You Need to Use Plagiarism Checking Tools?
Plagiarism checking tools like Turnitin and iThenticate are commonly required or recommended in the following situations:
Before Journal Submission: Especially for international indexed journals (Scopus, WoS, PubMed).
University Submissions: Master’s theses, PhD dissertations, and term papers often require a similarity report.
Conference Papers: Some academic conferences also ask for plagiarism reports.
Grant Proposals or Research Projects: Funding agencies may require proof of originality.
Even if the journal or institution does not explicitly ask for a plagiarism report, running one yourself is highly recommended to avoid unintentional overlap.
How to Use Turnitin
Turnitin is widely used by universities around the world, particularly for student assignments. However, researchers also benefit from its detailed and color-coded similarity reports.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Turnitin:
1. Access Through Institution:
Turnitin is usually available through your university or institution.
Contact your supervisor, librarian, or IT support to get access.
2. Log in to the Platform:
Use the provided login credentials and enter the class or assignment created for researchers.
3. Upload Your Manuscript:
Submit your research paper in Word or PDF format.
Wait for the system to process the file (usually takes a few minutes).
4. Review the Similarity Report:
You’ll receive a percentage score indicating the amount of matched content.
The report highlights the text that matches other sources and shows their origin.
Cost:
Turnitin not available for individual purchase directly from Turnitin. Independent researchers must go through institutions or third-party services.
How to Use iThenticate
iThenticate is considered the industry standard for professional researchers and is used by most journal publishers (including Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley) to screen submissions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using iThenticate:
1. Visit ithenticate.com
2. Create an Account:
Sign up as an individual researcher or institution.
3. Purchase a Report:
Pricing is typically:
$100–$150 for one manuscript (up to 25,000 words).
Bundle plans are available at a reduced per-report cost.
4. Upload Your Manuscript:
Supports PDF, DOCX, and other common formats.
5. Receive the Report:
Shows a detailed similarity percentage.
Provides side-by-side source comparisons.
Cost:
iThenticate is paid.
Offers single-use or subscription plans.
If you don’t want to subscribe, you can send your paper to us for a one-time professional report.
Turnitin vs iThenticate – Which One Should You Use?
Feature | Turnitin | iThenticate |
Target Users | Students, institutions | Researchers, publishers |
Access | University-only | Individual or institutional |
Accuracy | High for student papers | High for academic publications |
Database Coverage | Web content, student work | Journals, research databases, internet |
Editing Tools | Yes (color-coded feedback) | Yes (detailed source comparison) |
Cost | Usually free through institution | Paid (per document or subscription) |
Final Verdict:
Use Turnitin if you are a student or have institutional access.
Use iThenticate if you are a researcher submitting to journals, especially if you're aiming for Q1/Q2 publications.
What Is an Acceptable Similarity Score for paper submission?
Journals typically set their own limits, but the following is a general guideline:
Similarity Percentage | Meaning | Action |
0%–10% | Excellent | Safe to submit |
11%–20% | Acceptable | Minor revisions if needed |
21%–30% | Risky | Review carefully and revise |
Above 30% | Not acceptable | Paraphrase and check again |
Important
Overlap in methods, references, or technical terms is often acceptable. However, high similarity in the abstract, results, or discussion sections can lead to rejection.
How to Get a Turnitin or iThenticate Report for Your Paper?
If you do not have access to Turnitin or iThenticate, we can help.
Just send us your research paper
We’ll run a plagiarism check using iThenticate or Turnitin
You’ll receive a detailed report with similarity percentage
If needed, we also offer paraphrasing services to reduce overlap and improve originality
Checklist Before Submitting to Journals
Check similarity using Turnitin or iThenticate
·Review highlighted overlaps in the report
Paraphrase or cite where necessary
Check references and methodology sections for repeated text
Ensure your abstract and conclusion are 100% original
Save a copy of your similarity report for submission (if requested)
Plagiarism checks are not optional—they are essential for every serious researcher. Many journals automatically screen your manuscript, and a high similarity score may result in desk rejection before the peer review process even begins.
Whether you’re preparing your thesis, submitting a journal article, or applying for research funding, make originality a top priority.
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