Turnitin is an academic integrity platform that offers similarity detection, AI writing indicators, inline grading with Feedback Studio, peer review via PeerMark, and rubric-based grading through GradeMark. It integrates with learning management systems including Canvas, Moodle, and Blackboard.

This guide covers everything you need to know to use it — whether you're submitting your first paper or setting up assignments as an instructor.

How to Log In to Turnitin

Important Change

You can no longer log in to Turnitin directly via Turnitin.com to submit papers or manage assignments. Students and instructors must access the platform through their institution's LMS instead.

To access Turnitin, log into your school's LMS (Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle) using your student or instructor credentials. Navigate to the course with the Turnitin-enabled assignment and click the assignment link — Turnitin will load within the LMS interface.

How Students Can Use Turnitin

Submitting Your Paper

Your instructor sets up the assignment on the LMS with Turnitin enabled. When you upload your file through the assignment portal, the system automatically checks it for text similarity and (if enabled by your school) AI-generated content.

Step 1: Navigate to Your Assignment

Log into your LMS, go to your course, and click on the Turnitin-enabled assignment.

Step 2: Upload Your File

Submit your paper through the assignment portal. Supported formats include .docx, .pdf, .txt, and .rtf. Make sure your file is under 100 MB and contains at least 20 words.

Step 3: Wait for Your Report

Most similarity reports generate within 15–30 minutes. During peak periods (midterms, finals), it may take longer. Resubmissions can take up to 24 hours.

Accessing Your Similarity Report

Once your report is ready (and if your instructor has enabled student access), here's how to view it:

Return to the assignment submission page in your LMS
Look for the similarity score percentage next to your submission
Click the percentage to open the full report
Allow pop-ups in your browser if the report doesn't open

Note: Some instructors configure assignments so that similarity reports are only visible after the due date, or not visible to students at all. If you can't see your report, check with your instructor.

How Teachers Can Use Turnitin

Key Features for Instructors

Similarity Reports

View detailed reports showing which parts of a student's paper match other sources. Filter out quoted material, bibliographies, and small matches.

Feedback Studio

Leave inline comments, use QuickMarks for common feedback, and grade with customizable rubrics — all within the Turnitin interface.

AI Writing Detection

View AI detection reports showing estimated percentage of AI-generated content. Available as an optional feature depending on your institution's settings.

PeerMark

Set up anonymous peer review sessions where students read and provide structured feedback on each other's work.

Reviewing Student Submissions

Open the assignment inbox in your LMS
Click the similarity score next to a student's submission
Use filters to exclude quotes, bibliography, and small matches
Apply feedback using Feedback Studio's inline tools
Check the AI Writing Report tab for AI detection results

Best Practices for Instructors

1. Set expectations early — explain to students how Turnitin will be used and what similarity scores mean
2. Use it as a learning tool — allow draft submissions so students can improve before the final deadline
3. Don't rely solely on scores — always review the report in context before making academic integrity decisions
4. Protect student work — be mindful of how submissions are stored and who has access to them

Using Turnitin Without a Direct Account

Turnitin is a paid institutional service — it's not available for individual purchase. If you don't have access through a school, your options include:

Draft Coach — available through institutional Microsoft 365 access for pre-submission similarity checks
iThenticate — Turnitin's sister platform for researchers and publishers (paid)
Third-party checkers — tools like Grammarly or Scribbr offer plagiarism detection with different databases

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use Turnitin step by step?

Log into your LMS, navigate to your course and the Turnitin-enabled assignment, upload your file, wait for the report to generate (usually 15–30 minutes), then review your similarity results and any feedback from your instructor.

Can I check my paper before submitting the final version?

If your instructor allows multiple submissions or has set up a draft assignment, you can submit early and revise based on your similarity report. Some schools also provide Draft Coach for pre-submission checking in Word Online.

Can I use Turnitin by myself without a class?

No. Turnitin is a paid institutional service and isn't available for individual purchase. You need access through a school or organization that has a Turnitin license.

How much does Turnitin cost?

Turnitin is sold to institutions, not individuals. Pricing varies based on enrollment size, features selected, and support level. Students typically get access for free through their school.

Next guide: Turnitin Score Meaning: Percentage, Color & More Explained

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