Using Copyleaks: A Guide for Students – Omnichannel TSC

Copyleaks is a tool integrated into Canvas to help maintain academic integrity by checking assignments for originality. This guide provides information on how to use Copyleaks, including helpful links and frequently asked questions.

How to Submit an Assignment

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students cannot use a tablet or phone of any kind to submit assignments through Copyleaks. Students must use the Google Chrome browser on a laptop or desktop computer in order to submit an assignment through Copyleaks.

In Canvas
Assignments set up with Copyleaks can be submitted like any other Canvas assignment. Once submitted, Copyleaks scans your work for plagiarism and generates an originality report.
Step-by-Step Submission Guide for Canvas

Viewing the Copyleaks Originality Reports

After submission, Copyleaks generates a detailed originality report that highlights:

Text matches to other sources.
Percentage of originality and similarity.
Links to matched sources.

In Canvas, there are two ways to access the Copyleaks originality report after submitting the assignment:

In the assignment submission screen, locate the text that says NEXT UP: Review Feedback and click on the percentage to the right of NEXT UP: Review Feedback to open the report.
In your course, click Grades, locate the assignment, and click on the percentage in the right of the column.

Use this report to review your work and ensure proper citation practices. For more details, refer to the Canvas Student Guide.

Can't view the Copyleaks Originality Report?

If there is no percentage:

Reach out to your instructor and ask if they have the assignment enabled for students to see the similarity report. Instructors may not allow students to see the report. They also may set it up so students can't see the report until after the due date, or after the assignment is graded.
If you've confirmed with your instructor that you should see the similarity report and you don't, save a copy of the document with a new filename, and resubmit. This is a known error when there is an issue with the document you submitted (for instance, if it's corrupted).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of assignments are checked with Copyleaks?
Copyleaks scans essays, research papers, and other written assignments. Instructors determine which assignments use this tool.

2. Can Copyleaks detect AI-generated content?

Yes, Copyleaks includes AI detection to identify content created with tools like ChatGPT or similar technologies.

3. How can I view my originality report?

Your originality report will be available in the assignment details after submission. If you do not see it, contact your instructor.

4. Does Copyleaks store my assignment after submission?
Yes, your work is stored securely in the Copyleaks database. This helps compare your future submissions against previous ones to prevent self-plagiarism.

5. What if my work matches other sources?
Matching content is flagged for review. Ensure that all sources are properly cited and your work adheres to academic integrity guidelines.

6. Can handwritten assignments be submitted?
Yes, but only in Canvas. Handwritten files must be scanned and uploaded in a digital format that Copyleaks can read.

Learn More About Handwritten Submissions

7. What should I do if I encounter an error while submitting?
Check your file format and internet connection. If issues persist, contact your instructor or technical support.

8. What do I do if I receive a "Bad Page Request: Session Expired" error message while trying to submit a Copyleaks assignment?

Method One: Prevent "Bad Page Request" error from happening.

Check your browser settings by following the steps seen here.
Double check there are no corrupted, outdated cookies preventing your access to Copyleaks' tool:
1. Select the Settings menu in the upper righthand corner of your Google Chrome browser and select Delete Browsing Data from the dropdown menu. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
2. Select Third Party Cookies.
3. Select See all site data and permissions.
4. Type Copyleaks into the search bar. Then, you may find additional cookies that remain. Select the down arrow next to the Copyleaks result (if it appears). Select the delete icon (a trash can) next to the cookies to delete all the cookies before proceeding.

Method Two: Fix "Bad Request Error."

Session expired error message on a webpage.

This is a browser issue. Please clear cache and/or try using Copyleaks in an incognito window. If the problem persists, ensure that cross-site tracking cookies are enabled. If the issue persists, please contact the Technical Support Center.

Learn more about Copyleaks browser compatibility and fixes.

Why does it say I have no more attempts? How do attempts work when submitting assingnments that run through Copyleaks?

In Canvas:

Students have between 1 attempt and unlimited attempts for each assignment, depending on the number of attempts instructors set when creating the assignment. Students are not able to delete or replace attempts in Canvas.

Helpful Resources

Have Questions? Contact the SPC Technical Support Center at onlinehelp@spcollege.edu or call 727-341-HELP (727-341-4357) (Mon.- Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Eastern). Chat: Live Chat with Support