Skip to main content
  • Contact
  • News
  • Events
  • About
  • Remote access
  • My LibSearch
  • UM website
Go to the homepage
  • Visit
  • Study
  • Teach
  • Research
  • Resources
  • Apps & tools
Go to homepage
a
M
  • Visit
  • Study
  • Teach
  • Research
  • Resources
  • Apps & tools
  • Contact
  • News
  • Events
  • About
  • iThenticate – Similarity check for researchers
  • Getting started with iThenticate
  • iThenticate FAQ
Home > Apps & tools > iThenticate – Similarity check for researchers > iThenticate FAQ

iThenticate FAQ

Frequently asked questions about iThenticate.
2 3Are my documents safe and confidential?

Unpublished documents submitted through UM’s institutional iThenticate account are stored only in your private account. They are not added to any shared or public database and are not accessible to other users or third parties. That said, researchers working with especially sensitive or contractually restricted material should apply normal care and, if in doubt, consult the Library before uploading.

2 3Can I use iThenticate for my PhD thesis?

Yes. Doctoral candidates and supervisors may submit a thesis to check for similarity and, where enabled, AI writing indicators before submission to an Assessment Committee, a publisher, or a repository. Where practical, submit the full thesis as a single document rather than chapter by chapter.

2 3Does a similarity score indicate plagiarism?

No. The score shows the proportion of text that matches indexed sources. Whether any match represents a problem depends on how that text is used, whether it is attributed correctly, and what is expected in your field. The author is always responsible for the final interpretation.

2 3Does AI Writing Detection prove that AI was used inappropriately?

No. It identifies text with statistical patterns that Turnitin’s model associates with AI-generated output. It can produce false positives, and a high score does not automatically establish a policy violation. Use the result as a prompt for closer editorial and ethical review. 

2 3How long does it take to get results?

Results are usually delivered within one to several minutes, depending on document length.

2 3Is iThenticate the same as Turnitin in Canvas?

No. They use related underlying technology but serve different purposes. iThenticate is for research-related document checking — manuscripts, theses, proposals. Turnitin Originality in Canvas is intended for educational use in the context of courses and student submissions. Using the wrong service for the wrong purpose is not recommended; please contact the Library if you are unsure. 

Contact & Support

For questions or information, use the web form to contact a library specialist.

Ask Your Librarian - Contact a library specialist

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Are you:(Required)

jpg, gif, xls, doc, pdf, png, xlsx, docx
Max. file size: 64 MB.
Before submitting your question, please check whether your e-mail address is correct.

Combined logo of Maastricht University and MUMC+
Contact
News
About
Visit the library
Student Facilities & Support
Teaching staff support
Research Support
Resources
Apps & Tools

Maastricht University Library

Postal address
P.O. Box 616
6200 MD Maastricht

Opening hours
Working at the Library

Follow us on

     
  •           Instagram      
  •  
  •           LinkedIn      
  •  
  •           YouTube      

© Maastricht University Library | UM Disclaimer | UM Privacy Statement | UM Disability Support