Quick Start

This guide covers every QuillBot feature:
- Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use the Paraphraser — Rewrite text while keeping the original meaning
- How to Use the Grammar Checker — Fix grammatical errors and punctuation
- How to Use the Summarizer — Condense long text into key points
- How to Use the Translator — Translate text into 50+ languages
- How to Use the Plagiarism Checker — Scan your work for originality
- How to Use the Citation Generator — Create APA, MLA, and Chicago citations
- How to Use the AI Humanizer — Make AI content sound natural
- How to Use AI Chat — Brainstorm and draft with AI
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used QuillBot for over two years and tested every feature covered here. This tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.

QuillBot is one of the most popular AI 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.
QuillBot Tutorial
This complete QuillBot tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.

QuillBot
Paraphrase, check grammar, and polish your writing in seconds. QuillBot gives you 9+ writing modes, a plagiarism checker, and AI tools trusted by 50 million users. Start free — no credit card needed.
Getting Started with QuillBot
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 quillbot.com and click “Sign Up.”
Enter your email or sign up with Google.
Create a strong password for your account.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
Step 2: Access the Writing Tools
QuillBot works in your browser at quillbot.com.
You can also install the Chrome extension for quick access.
Mobile users can download the app on iOS or Android.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard with all tools listed.
Step 3: Install the Browser Extension
Click “Add to Chrome” on the QuillBot website.
The extension works across 500,000+ websites.
You can paraphrase and check grammar inside Gmail and Google Docs.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use QuillBot Paraphraser
The Paraphraser lets you rewrite text while keeping the original meaning intact.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch the Paraphraser in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Paste Your Text
Type or paste your text into the left input box.
Free users can paraphrase up to 125 words at a time.
Premium users get unlimited word count per paraphrase.
Step 2: Choose Your Mode
Select a paraphrasing mode from the toolbar above your text.
Free users get Standard and Fluency modes.
Premium unlocks Formal, Academic, Creative, and more.
Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see different mode options at the top of the tool.
Step 3: Click Paraphrase and Review
Hit the “Paraphrase” button to generate the rewrite.
Click any highlighted word to see synonym suggestions.
Use the Synonym Slider to control how much the text changes.
✅ Result: Your text is rewritten in your chosen style.
💡 Pro Tip: Set the Synonym Slider to position 2-3 for the best balance. Position 4 can change the meaning of your original text.
How to Use QuillBot Grammar Checker
The Grammar Checker lets you find and fix grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch the Grammar Checker in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Grammar Checker
Click “Grammar Checker” from the QuillBot toolbar.
Paste or type the text you want to check.
Step 2: Review the Suggestions
QuillBot underlines errors in your text automatically.
Click each underlined word to see the suggested fix.
You also get a writing score across Grammar, Fluency, and Clarity.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see underlined errors with suggested corrections.
Step 3: Accept or Dismiss Fixes
Click “Accept” to apply each suggestion to your text.
Click “Dismiss” to ignore suggestions you disagree with.
Use “Fix All” to apply every correction at once.
✅ Result: Your text is free of grammatical errors and typos.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Grammar Checker after paraphrasing. This catches any awkward phrasing the Paraphraser may have created.
How to Use QuillBot Summarizer
The Summarizer lets you condense long articles into short key points or paragraphs.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch the Summarizer in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Paste Your Long Text
Click “Summarizer” in the QuillBot toolbar.
Paste the article or document you want to shorten.
Free users can summarize up to 1,200 words at a time.
Step 2: Choose Summary Type
Select “Key Sentences” for a bullet-point summary.
Select “Paragraph” for a flowing written summary.
Adjust the summary length with the slider control.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the summary type options above your text.
Step 3: Generate and Copy
Click “Summarize” to generate your condensed version.
Review the output for accuracy against the original.
Click “Copy” to paste the summary into your document.
✅ Result: Your long text is now a concise summary.
💡 Pro Tip: Use “Key Sentences” mode for research papers. It pulls out the most important findings without losing critical details.
How to Use QuillBot Translator
The Translator lets you translate text into 50+ languages quickly.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch the Translator in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Translator Tool
Click “Translator” from the QuillBot navigation bar.
Paste the text you want to translate into the input box.
Step 2: Select Your Languages
Choose the source language on the left dropdown.
Select your target language on the right dropdown.
QuillBot supports English, Spanish, French, German, and 45+ more.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see both language dropdowns filled in.
Step 3: Translate and Review
Click “Translate” to get your translated text.
Review the output for context and accuracy.
Copy the translated text to your clipboard.
✅ Result: Your text is translated into your chosen language.
💡 Pro Tip: After translating, run the output through the Grammar Checker. This catches any awkward phrasing from the translation.
How to Use QuillBot Plagiarism Checker
The Plagiarism Checker lets you scan your written work for copied content.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch the Plagiarism Checker in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Plagiarism Tool
Click “Plagiarism Checker” from the QuillBot menu.
This feature is available on Premium plans only.
Premium gives you 25,000 words per month for scanning.
Step 2: Upload or Paste Your Text
Paste your text directly into the checker.
You can also upload a document file for scanning.
QuillBot compares your text against billions of web sources.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your text loaded and ready to scan.
Step 3: Review the Plagiarism Report
Click “Check Plagiarism” to start the scan.
QuillBot shows a similarity percentage and highlights matching sections.
Click any flagged section to see the original source URL.
✅ Result: You know exactly which parts need rewriting or citation.
💡 Pro Tip: Run the plagiarism check before submitting any academic paper. Then use the Paraphraser to rewrite any flagged sections in your own words.
How to Use QuillBot Citation Generator
The Citation Generator lets you create accurate citations in APA, MLA, Chicago, and 1,000+ styles.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch the Citation Generator in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Citation Tool
Click “Citation Generator” in the QuillBot toolbar.
Select your citation style from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Enter Source Details
Paste a URL or enter the source details manually.
QuillBot auto-fills author, title, date, and publisher.
Double-check auto-filled fields for accuracy.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a filled citation form with source details.
Step 3: Generate and Copy Your Citation
Click “Generate Citation” to create the formatted reference.
Copy both the in-text citation and the full reference.
Add multiple sources to build your full bibliography.
✅ Result: You have properly formatted citations for your paper.
💡 Pro Tip: Always verify auto-generated citations against the original source. AI-generated citations can sometimes contain small errors in dates or author names.
How to Use QuillBot AI Humanizer
The AI Humanizer lets you make AI-generated content sound more natural and human.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch the AI Humanizer in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the AI Humanizer
Click “AI Humanizer” from the QuillBot tools menu.
Paste the AI-generated text you want to make sound natural.
Step 2: Choose Your Humanizing Level
Select Basic mode for light adjustments to tone and flow.
Select Advanced mode for deeper rewrites of the content.
Advanced mode is available on Premium plans.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see mode options and your pasted text.
Step 3: Humanize and Review
Click “Humanize” to process your text.
Review the output for natural reading flow and tone.
Make manual edits to add your personal voice.
✅ Result: Your AI-generated text now reads more naturally.
💡 Pro Tip: The AI Humanizer improves readability and tone. But always add your own personal touches and examples after humanizing for the best results.
How to Use QuillBot AI Chat
AI Chat lets you brainstorm ideas, draft content, and get writing help in real time.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Chat in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open AI Chat
Click “AI Chat” from the QuillBot sidebar or toolbar.
You’ll see a chat-style interface ready for your questions.
Step 2: Type Your Prompt
Ask questions, request outlines, or ask for writing suggestions.
Be specific about what you need for the best results.
You can also paste text and ask for feedback on it.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a response from the AI assistant.
Step 3: Refine and Use the Output
Ask follow-up questions to refine the AI’s response.
Copy useful sections into your writing project.
Free users get 50 AI prompts per day.
✅ Result: You have AI-generated ideas and drafts for your project.
💡 Pro Tip: Use AI Chat to brainstorm blog post outlines. Then flesh out each section yourself for content that’s both original and well-structured.
QuillBot Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing QuillBot for over two years, here are my best tips.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Paraphrase selected text | Ctrl + Enter |
| Undo last change | Ctrl + Z |
| Copy paraphrased text | Ctrl + C |
| Switch paraphrasing mode | Click mode tabs |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Freeze Words: Click any word in your input to “freeze” it so the Paraphraser keeps it unchanged. Great for technical terms and proper nouns.
- Synonym Click: After paraphrasing, click any colored word in the output to see alternate synonyms. Pick the one that fits your writing style best.
- QuillBot Flow: Use the Co-Writer workspace to combine Paraphraser, Summarizer, and Grammar Checker in one window. This saves 40% of your time switching between tools.
QuillBot Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Using Maximum Synonym Slider
❌ Wrong: Setting the Synonym Slider to maximum every time, which changes the meaning of your text.
✅ Right: Keep the slider at position 2-3 for the best balance of originality and accuracy.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Review Step
❌ Wrong: Copying paraphrased text directly without reading it first.
✅ Right: Always read the output and check for meaning changes before using it in your work.
Mistake #3: Not Citing Original Sources
❌ Wrong: Paraphrasing someone else’s ideas and submitting without proper credit.
✅ Right: Always cite the original author when paraphrasing their work. Use the Citation Generator for proper formatting.
QuillBot Troubleshooting
Problem: Paraphraser Changes the Meaning
Cause: The Synonym Slider is set too high or you’re using Creative mode on technical text.
Fix: Lower the slider to position 2. Switch to Standard or Fluency mode for accuracy-sensitive text.
Problem: Chrome Extension Not Working
Cause: The extension is outdated or conflicts with other browser add-ons.
Fix: Update the extension in Chrome Web Store. Disable other writing extensions temporarily to check for conflicts.
Problem: 125-Word Limit on Free Plan
Cause: The free plan caps each paraphrase at 125 words per use.
Fix: Break your text into smaller chunks. Or upgrade to Premium for unlimited word count per paraphrase.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact QuillBot support through the Help Center in the app.
What is QuillBot?
QuillBot is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps you paraphrase, check grammar, and polish your writing.
Think of it like a smart thesaurus combined with a grammar tutor and a writing coach.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Paraphraser: Rewrites text in 9+ modes while keeping the original meaning
- Grammar Checker: Finds and fixes grammatical errors, spelling, and punctuation mistakes
- Summarizer: Condenses long articles into short key points or paragraphs
- Translator: Translates text into 50+ languages
- Plagiarism Checker: Scans your work against billions of sources for originality
- Citation Generator: Creates APA, MLA, Chicago, and 1,000+ citation styles
- AI Humanizer: Makes AI-generated text sound more natural
- AI Chat: Brainstorm ideas and draft content with an AI assistant
- AI Detector: Checks if content is likely AI-generated
For a full review, see our QuillBot review.

QuillBot Pricing
Here’s what QuillBot costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 (Free Forever) | Students and casual users who need basic paraphrasing |
| Premium | $4.17 per month | Writers and professionals who need unlimited access to all tools |
| Team Plan | Custom Pricing | Businesses and organizations needing shared style guides |
Free trial: No free trial, but the Free plan is available forever with limited features.
Money-back guarantee: Yes, 3-day money-back guarantee for first-time Premium users.

💰 Best Value: Premium Annual Plan — You get unlimited paraphrasing, all 9+ modes, plagiarism checker, and every tool for the lowest monthly rate.
QuillBot vs Alternatives
How does QuillBot compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
Watch this comparison:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuillBot | Paraphrasing and writing polish | $4.17/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Grammarly | Grammar checking and tone detection | $12/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Paperpal | Academic writing assistance | $19/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Writesonic | AI content generation at scale | $39/mo | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Frase | SEO content research and writing | $45/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Elicit AI | Academic research and paper analysis | $9/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| SciSpace | Research paper reading and writing | $8/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| scite | Citation analysis and verification | $12/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: QuillBot — Best paraphrasing tool with the most writing modes
- Best budget: Elicit AI — Full research tools starting at just $9/month
- Best for beginners: Grammarly — Easy-to-use interface with clear grammar suggestions
- Best for academic writing: SciSpace — Built specifically for research papers and academic work
🎯 QuillBot Alternatives
Looking for QuillBot alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 Paperpal: AI-powered academic writing assistant with real-time suggestions for research papers and journal submissions.
- 💰 Yomu: Budget-friendly AI writing assistant designed for students who need quick essay and paper help.
- 🎨 Writesonic: Full AI content generator that creates blog posts, ads, and marketing copy from scratch.
- ⚡ Frase: SEO-focused writing tool that combines content research with AI writing for better search rankings.
- 🧠 CoWriter: AI co-writing tool that generates drafts and helps you build content section by section.
- 📊 Elicit AI: AI research assistant that finds papers, extracts data, and summarizes academic literature.
- 🔒 SciSpace: Research platform that helps you read, understand, and write scientific papers with AI help.
- 🎯 scite: Citation tool that shows how papers have been cited and whether findings were supported or contradicted.
- 🌟 Grammarly: Top grammar checker with advanced tone detection and writing style suggestions for professionals.
- 🔧 Paperguide: AI research companion that helps with literature reviews, paper summaries, and academic formatting.
For the full list, see our QuillBot alternatives guide.
⚔️ QuillBot Compared
Here’s how QuillBot stacks up against each competitor:
- QuillBot vs Paperpal: QuillBot has more paraphrasing modes. Paperpal is stronger for journal submission prep and academic formatting.
- QuillBot vs Yomu: QuillBot offers a broader tool suite. Yomu is simpler and more focused on quick student essay help.
- QuillBot vs Writesonic: QuillBot is better for rewriting existing text. Writesonic is better for generating new content from scratch.
- QuillBot vs Frase: QuillBot wins on paraphrasing features. Frase wins on SEO content research and keyword targeting.
- QuillBot vs CoWriter: QuillBot has more editing tools. CoWriter is better for collaborative AI-assisted drafting from prompts.
- QuillBot vs Elicit AI: QuillBot is a writing tool. Elicit is a research tool that finds and analyzes academic papers.
- QuillBot vs SciSpace: QuillBot is more versatile for general writing. SciSpace is built specifically for scientific research.
- QuillBot vs scite: QuillBot focuses on writing and rewriting text. scite focuses on citation analysis and research verification.
- QuillBot vs Grammarly: QuillBot has better paraphrasing. Grammarly has more advanced grammar checking and tone analysis.
- QuillBot vs Paperguide: QuillBot covers broader writing needs. Paperguide specializes in literature reviews and research formatting.
Start Using QuillBot Now
You learned how to use every major QuillBot feature:
- ✅ Paraphraser
- ✅ Grammar Checker
- ✅ Summarizer
- ✅ Translator
- ✅ Plagiarism Checker
- ✅ Citation Generator
- ✅ AI Humanizer
- ✅ AI Chat
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with the Paraphraser.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to use a QuillBot?
Go to quillbot.com and sign up for a free account. Paste your text into the Paraphraser, choose a mode like Standard or Fluency, and click “Paraphrase.” You can also use the Grammar Checker, Summarizer, and other tools from the main dashboard.
How do teachers know if you use QuillBot?
Teachers can use AI detection tools like Turnitin, GPTZero, or Originality.ai to check if text was processed by AI. QuillBot’s paraphrased text can still be detected by these tools. Always use QuillBot as a writing aid and add your own voice to stay transparent.
Is QuillBot considered cheating?
It depends on how you use it and your institution’s rules. Using QuillBot to paraphrase someone else’s work without citing the original source is plagiarism. Using it to improve your own writing is generally acceptable. Always check your school or employer’s AI tool policy first.
Can I use QuillBot for free?
Yes. QuillBot has a free plan that lasts forever. You get access to the Paraphraser (125 words per use), Grammar Checker, AI Detector, Summarizer (1,200 words), Citation Generator, and Translator. Premium costs $4.17/month billed annually and unlocks all tools and unlimited usage.
Is QuillBot detectable as AI?
Yes, AI detectors can flag QuillBot-processed text. Tools like Originality.ai and GPTZero can still detect paraphrased content. The AI Humanizer helps make text sound more natural, but it does not guarantee bypassing AI detection. Always review and personalize output before submitting.
Is QuillBot AI free?
QuillBot offers a generous free plan with basic access to all core tools. Free users can paraphrase 125 words at a time, use 2 modes, and access the Grammar Checker and AI Detector. For unlimited access and advanced features, you need the Premium plan.
Is it OK to use QuillBot?
Yes, QuillBot is a legitimate writing tool used by over 50 million people. It’s great for improving clarity, fixing grammar, and finding better ways to express your ideas. Just make sure you always cite original sources when paraphrasing someone else’s work.
Is QuillBot AI cheating?
QuillBot itself is not cheating. It’s an AI writing tool designed to help you write better. However, using it to submit work that isn’t your own without attribution is dishonest. The key is using QuillBot to improve your own writing, not to disguise copied content. Follow your institution’s academic integrity guidelines.













