Quick Start
This guide covers every Paperpal feature:
- Getting Started — Create your account and set up the editor
- How to Use Grammar Checker — Fix language errors in real time
- How to Use Paraphraser — Rewrite text with academic tone
- How to Use AI Essay Writer — Generate structured drafts fast
- How to Use Plagiarism Checker — Scan text against billions of sources
- How to Use AI Detector — Check for AI-generated content
- How to Use Paper Checker — Run 30+ submission readiness checks
- How to Use Citation Generator — Format references in 10,000+ styles
- How to Use Chat PDF — Ask questions about uploaded papers
- How to Use AI Writing Assistant — Get context-aware writing help
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used Paperpal for over six months and tested every feature covered here. This how to use paperpal tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.
Paperpal is one of the most powerful academic writing tools available today.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
Paperpal Tutorial
This complete Paperpal tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
Paperpal
Write better academic papers in half the time. Paperpal gives you AI-powered grammar correction, paraphrasing, plagiarism detection, and submission readiness checks — all trained on scholarly content. Try it free today.
Getting Started with Paperpal
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
Watch this quick overview first:
Now let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to paperpal.com and click “Get Started.”
Enter your email and create a password.
You can also sign up with your Google account.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
Step 2: Choose Your Writing Environment
Paperpal works on the web, in Microsoft Word, and in Overleaf.
For the web version, click “Paperpal for Web” in the left sidebar.
For Word, install the Paperpal add-in from the Microsoft Store.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the Paperpal sidebar on the right.
Step 3: Configure Your Settings
Click the settings icon in the sidebar.
Choose American or British English based on your target journal.
Set suggestions to “Extensive” for maximum feedback.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use Paperpal Grammar Checker
Grammar Checker lets you fix spelling, punctuation, and complex grammar errors instantly.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Grammar Checker in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Paste Your Text
Copy your academic text into the Paperpal web editor.
Or open your document in Word with the add-in enabled.
Step 2: Review Suggestions in the Sidebar
Paperpal highlights errors and shows fixes in the right sidebar.
Click each suggestion to see the correction and explanation.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see colored underlines on flagged text.
Step 3: Accept or Dismiss Each Fix
Click “Accept” to apply a correction to your text.
Click “Dismiss” if the original phrasing is correct.
✅ Result: Your text is now free of grammar and spelling errors.
💡 Pro Tip: Switch between “Essential” and “Extensive” modes. Essential catches critical errors only. Extensive gives style and clarity suggestions too.
How to Use Paperpal Paraphraser
Paraphraser lets you rewrite text while keeping the original meaning intact.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Paraphraser in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Highlight Your Text
Select the sentence or paragraph you want to rewrite.
Right-click and choose “Paraphrase” from the menu.
Step 2: Choose a Paraphrase Option
Paperpal generates multiple rewritten versions for you.
Each version maintains academic tone and meaning.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see at least two alternative versions.
Step 3: Insert the Best Version
Click “Replace” to swap the original with your chosen version.
Review the new text to make sure it fits your argument.
✅ Result: Your text is rewritten with improved vocabulary and clarity.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the “Make Academic” option to convert informal language into proper scholarly tone. This is perfect for early drafts.
How to Use Paperpal AI Essay Writer
AI Essay Writer lets you generate structured academic drafts from your notes and prompts.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Essay Writer in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the AI Writer Panel
Click “Write” in the left sidebar of the Paperpal editor.
Upload your notes or reference materials as context.
Step 2: Enter Your Writing Prompt
Describe what you want the AI to write about.
Be specific about the section, audience, and scope.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a generated draft in the editor.
Step 3: Refine and Edit the Output
Review the AI-generated text for accuracy and tone.
Edit any sections that need your personal voice or data.
✅ Result: You have a structured first draft ready for revision.
💡 Pro Tip: Use built-in templates for outlines, titles, and abstracts. They follow standard academic formats and save you planning time.
How to Use Paperpal Plagiarism Checker
Plagiarism Checker lets you scan your text against 100 billion web pages and academic sources.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Plagiarism Checker in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Plagiarism Tool
Click “Plagiarism Check” in the Paperpal sidebar.
Free users can scan up to 7,000 words per month.
Step 2: Run the Scan
Click “Start Check” and wait for the analysis to complete.
The tool highlights matching passages with source links.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a similarity score and highlighted sections.
Step 3: Review and Fix Flagged Sections
Click each flagged section to see the matching source.
Rewrite or add proper citations for matched content.
✅ Result: Your manuscript is checked for unintended plagiarism.
💡 Pro Tip: Run the plagiarism check before every journal submission. Even accidental overlap can trigger desk rejection.
How to Use Paperpal AI Detector
AI Detector lets you check if your manuscript contains AI-generated content.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Detector in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Navigate to AI Detection
Click “AI Content Detection” in the Paperpal toolbar.
Paste or select the text you want to analyze.
Step 2: Analyze the Results
The tool shows a percentage score of AI-generated content.
Highlighted sections indicate areas flagged as AI-written.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a human-vs-AI content breakdown.
Step 3: Revise Flagged Sections
Rewrite any heavily flagged sections in your own words.
Add personal insights and data to make the text authentic.
✅ Result: Your manuscript maintains a high level of authentic human-written text.
💡 Pro Tip: Run AI detection after using the AI Essay Writer. This helps you identify which sections need more personal revision.
How to Use Paperpal Paper Checker
Paper Checker lets you run over 30 submission readiness checks on your manuscript.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Paper Checker in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Manuscript
Click “Submission Checks” in the Paperpal menu.
Upload your complete manuscript file or paste the text.
Step 2: Review the Compliance Report
Paperpal checks formatting, references, and technical compliance.
Each check shows a pass or fail status with details.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a list of 30+ checks with results.
Step 3: Fix Issues Before Submitting
Click each failed check to see what needs to be corrected.
Address all issues to meet journal submission guidelines.
✅ Result: Your paper is ready for journal submission with all guidelines met.
💡 Pro Tip: Run Paper Checker early in your revision process. Fixing structural issues early saves hours of rework later.
How to Use Paperpal Citation Generator
Citation Generator lets you create in-text and full citations in over 10,000 styles.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Citation Generator in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Citation Tool
Click “Research & Cite” in the Paperpal sidebar.
Search for the paper or source you want to cite.
Step 2: Select Your Citation Style
Choose from APA, MLA, Chicago, or thousands of other formats.
Paperpal formats the citation correctly for your chosen style.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a formatted citation ready to insert.
Step 3: Insert the Citation
Click “Insert” to add the citation to your document.
The reference is added both in-text and in your bibliography.
✅ Result: Your references are formatted correctly without manual work.
💡 Pro Tip: Set your target journal’s citation style first. All future citations will follow that format automatically.
How to Use Paperpal Chat PDF
Chat PDF lets you ask questions about uploaded research papers and get instant answers.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Chat PDF in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload a PDF
Click “Chat with PDF” and upload your research paper.
Paperpal processes the document and indexes its content.
Step 2: Ask Your Question
Type a question about the paper’s findings or methods.
The AI reads the paper and provides a cited answer.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see an answer with page references.
Step 3: Extract Key Insights
Ask follow-up questions to dig deeper into specific sections.
Copy useful excerpts directly into your working document.
✅ Result: You’ve extracted key findings without reading the entire paper.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Chat PDF during literature review. Upload multiple papers and ask comparison questions across sources.
How to Use Paperpal AI Writing Assistant
AI Writing Assistant lets you get context-aware help throughout your entire writing process.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Writing Assistant in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Activate the AI Assistant
Click “Copilot” in the Paperpal toolbar.
The AI assistant panel opens beside your document.
Step 2: Describe What You Need
Tell the AI what you want: outline, draft, feedback, or translation.
It generates context-specific suggestions based on your text.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see AI-generated suggestions in the panel.
Step 3: Apply Suggestions to Your Document
Click “Insert” to add the AI’s output to your document.
Review and edit the content to match your argument and style.
✅ Result: You have AI-powered writing support at every step of your process.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the “Trim” feature to reduce text by up to 30%. This is ideal when you need to meet strict journal word limits.
Paperpal Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing Paperpal for over six months, here are my best tips.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Accept suggestion | Tab or Enter |
| Dismiss suggestion | Esc |
| Next suggestion | Down Arrow |
| Open AI Assistant | Ctrl + Shift + P |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Contextual Synonyms: Highlight any word to see alternatives from published papers. Great for avoiding repetition.
- Academic Translation: Translate from 25+ languages to English while maintaining scholarly tone and structure.
- Consistency Checks: Paperpal flags inconsistencies in formatting references, equations, and technical terms across your document.
Paperpal Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Using Essential Mode for Final Edits
❌ Wrong: Keeping suggestions on “Essential” mode when polishing your final draft.
✅ Right: Switch to “Extensive” mode to catch style and clarity issues before submission.
Mistake #2: Accepting All Suggestions Without Review
❌ Wrong: Clicking “Accept All” without reading each suggestion carefully.
✅ Right: Review each suggestion individually. Some changes may alter your intended meaning.
Mistake #3: Skipping Plagiarism Check Before Submission
❌ Wrong: Submitting your paper without running the plagiarism checker first.
✅ Right: Always run a plagiarism scan. Even small overlaps can trigger a desk rejection.
Paperpal Troubleshooting
Problem: Word Add-in Not Loading
Cause: University network security may block third-party add-ins.
Fix: Contact your IT administrator to whitelist the Paperpal add-in. Or use the web version instead.
Problem: Suggestions Not Appearing
Cause: You may have hit your monthly free credit limit (200 credits).
Fix: Wait for credits to reset next month or upgrade to Paperpal Prime for unlimited use.
Problem: Plagiarism Check Shows High Similarity
Cause: Common phrases, direct quotes, or reference lists often inflate the score.
Fix: Review each flagged section individually. Exclude reference lists and properly cited quotes from your analysis.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Paperpal support at hello@paperpal.com.
What is Paperpal?
Paperpal is an AI-powered academic writing tool that helps you write better papers in half the time.
Think of it like having a trained journal editor sitting next to you as you write.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Grammar Checker: Fixes spelling, punctuation, and complex grammar errors in real time
- Paraphraser: Rewrites text with improved vocabulary while keeping academic tone
- AI Essay Writer: Generates structured academic drafts from your notes and prompts
- Plagiarism Checker: Scans text against 100 billion web pages for unintended overlap
- AI Detector: Checks your manuscript for AI-generated content
- Paper Checker: Runs 30+ submission readiness checks against journal guidelines
- Citation Generator: Creates references in over 10,000 citation styles
- Chat PDF: Ask questions about uploaded research papers and get instant answers
- AI Writing Assistant: Provides context-aware writing help throughout your process
For a full review, see our Paperpal review.
Paperpal Pricing
Here’s what Paperpal costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Students testing Paperpal’s core features |
| Prime | $5.7/month | Researchers who need unlimited edits and full access |
Free trial: Yes, the free plan includes 200 monthly credits and basic features.
Money-back guarantee: Yes, 30 days for annual plans and 7 days for monthly plans.
💰 Best Value: Prime Annual — pay $9.91/month billed yearly and save 48% compared to monthly billing.
Paperpal vs Alternatives
How does Paperpal compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
Watch this comparison:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperpal | Academic writing and editing | $5.7/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Jenni | AI-powered academic drafting | $12/mo | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Yomu | Research paper assistance | $19/mo | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Writesonic | Marketing and academic content | $39/mo | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Frase | SEO research writing | $45/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| CoWriter | Research content generation | $20/mo | ⭐ 3.8 |
| Elicit AI | Research paper analysis | $9/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| SciSpace | Scientific paper exploration | $12/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| scite | Citation context analysis | $20/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| QuillBot | Budget paraphrasing tool | $4.17/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Grammarly | General grammar and writing | $12/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| PaperGuide | All-in-one research platform | $12/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Paperpal — trained specifically on academic content for scholarly writing
- Best budget: QuillBot — solid paraphrasing at just $4.17/month
- Best for beginners: Grammarly — easy interface with strong grammar correction
- Best for research: Elicit AI — answers research questions directly from papers
🎯 Paperpal Alternatives
Looking for Paperpal alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 Jenni: AI writing assistant that autocompletes academic sentences and helps overcome writer’s block at $12/month.
- 🎨 Yomu: Academic-focused writing tool with document formatting, citation support, and AI feedback starting at $19/month.
- 💼 Writesonic: Multi-purpose AI writer with academic and marketing content templates starting at $39/month.
- 📊 Frase: Research-driven writing tool combining SEO and content creation features starting at $45/month.
- ⚡ CoWriter: AI research writing assistant that generates content ideas and structured outlines at $20/month.
- 🧠 Elicit AI: Research assistant that finds and analyzes academic papers using AI starting at just $9/month.
- 🔬 SciSpace: Scientific paper discovery and analysis platform with AI-powered summaries starting at $12/month.
- 🔒 scite: Smart citation tool that shows how papers have been cited, supported, or disputed at $20/month.
- 💰 QuillBot: Affordable paraphrasing and grammar tool with a generous free plan starting at $4.17/month.
- 🌟 Grammarly: Industry-leading grammar checker with tone detection and AI writing support starting at $12/month.
- 🎯 PaperGuide: All-in-one AI research platform with literature review and writing tools starting at $12/month.
For the full list, see our Paperpal alternatives guide.
⚔️ Paperpal Compared
Here’s how Paperpal stacks up against each competitor:
- Paperpal vs Jenni: Paperpal excels at editing and submission checks. Jenni is stronger for drafting entire papers from scratch.
- Paperpal vs Yomu: Paperpal offers deeper academic language training. Yomu provides better document formatting and collaboration tools.
- Paperpal vs Writesonic: Paperpal is built for academic writing. Writesonic targets marketing and general content creation.
- Paperpal vs Frase: Paperpal focuses on scholarly editing. Frase combines research with SEO-driven content writing.
- Paperpal vs CoWriter: Paperpal delivers more context-specific suggestions. CoWriter is better for brainstorming and outlining ideas.
- Paperpal vs Elicit AI: Paperpal is stronger for editing text. Elicit is better for finding and analyzing research papers.
- Paperpal vs SciSpace: Paperpal wins at language polishing. SciSpace wins at deep paper analysis and data extraction.
- Paperpal vs scite: Paperpal improves your writing quality. scite helps you evaluate citation reliability and context.
- Paperpal vs QuillBot: Paperpal understands academic terminology better. QuillBot offers solid paraphrasing at a lower price.
- Paperpal vs Grammarly: Paperpal is trained on scholarly texts. Grammarly is better for general and business writing.
- Paperpal vs PaperGuide: Paperpal excels at editing and submission readiness. PaperGuide is stronger for literature review and research management.
Start Using Paperpal Now
You learned how to use every major Paperpal feature:
- ✅ Grammar Checker
- ✅ Paraphraser
- ✅ AI Essay Writer
- ✅ Plagiarism Checker
- ✅ AI Detector
- ✅ Paper Checker
- ✅ Citation Generator
- ✅ Chat PDF
- ✅ AI Writing Assistant
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with Grammar Checker.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Paperpal work?
Paperpal uses AI trained on millions of published scholarly articles to analyze your text. It checks grammar, suggests better vocabulary, and provides context-specific edits. You paste your text into the editor or use the Word add-in, and Paperpal shows suggestions in a sidebar. Accept or dismiss each suggestion with one click.
Is Paperpal better than Grammarly?
For academic writing, yes. Paperpal is trained specifically on scholarly texts and understands technical terminology. Grammarly is better for general and business writing. If you write research papers, Paperpal provides more relevant suggestions. If you write emails and blog posts, Grammarly is the stronger choice.
How to use Paperpal for free?
Create a free account at paperpal.com. The free plan gives you 200 language suggestions per month and 5 generative AI uses per day. You can scan up to 7,000 words per month for plagiarism. For unlimited access, upgrade to the Prime plan.
Is Paperpal worth it?
Yes, if you write academic papers regularly. The free version is useful for short papers. The Prime plan at $19/month provides unlimited edits, plagiarism checking, and submission readiness checks. For researchers submitting to journals, the time savings alone justify the cost.
Which is better, Grammarly or Paperpal?
It depends on your use case. Paperpal wins for academic and scientific writing because it understands scholarly conventions. Grammarly wins for everyday writing, business emails, and general content. Many researchers use both: Grammarly for daily communication and Paperpal for paper editing.
How to use Paperpal?
Sign up for a free account at paperpal.com. Choose between the web editor or the Microsoft Word add-in. Paste your text, configure your language preference, and Paperpal generates suggestions in the right sidebar. Click each suggestion to accept or dismiss the edit.
Which is better, Paperpal or Jenni AI?
Paperpal is better for editing and polishing existing academic text. Jenni AI is better for generating new content and drafting papers from scratch. If you already have a draft, Paperpal refines it. If you need help creating a draft, Jenni AI gets you started faster.
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