Will journals detect plagiarism in articles?

Academic journals routinely employ plagiarism detection software to screen submissions prior to publication. This practice is standard and highly effective in identifying unoriginal content. Journals utilize sophisticated software systems, such as Turnitin or iThenticate, which compare submissions against vast databases of published works, websites, and previously submitted manuscripts. These systems generate similarity reports highlighting matching text and its source. Detection focuses on verbatim copying without proper quotation or attribution, substantial paraphrasing without citation, and inappropriate text recycling. Editors use these reports to assess originality based on established journal thresholds and contextual analysis, differentiating legitimate coincidences from deliberate misconduct. Authors must ensure all sources are correctly cited and that their work represents original contribution. The detection process upholds academic integrity by verifying the novelty of research and safeguarding against intellectual theft. Successful detection prevents the publication of plagiarized work, maintaining the journal's reputation and credibility. It reinforces ethical research practices, protects original authors' rights, and ensures the scientific record remains trustworthy for the scholarly community.