Citation assist vs similarity check vs insert citation

Clarami uses different tools for different jobs. Using the right one keeps expectations honest and matches how instructors grade work.

Citation assist (scan)

• What it is: An AI review of your draft text that flags passages that may need quotation, citation, paraphrasing, or stronger attribution.
• What it is not: It does not compare your essay to the open web or to institutional similarity databases (for example Turnitin-class tools). It only sees the text you send in the scan.
• Suggested DOIs: When shown, suggested identifiers are verified against public metadata where the product supports it. The scan still does not replace adding a real Insert citation when your course requires one.

Insert citation (DOI, URL, or library)

• What it is: A separate flow that resolves a DOI, PMID, ISBN, article URL, or a saved library row and inserts a structured citation at the cursor. That feeds your document bibliography when you refresh references.
• Naming: In the app this is Insert citation (lookup / library tabs)—not the same panel as Citation assist.

Advanced similarity check (eligible paid plans)

• What it is: An optional second-pass review focused on wording overlap and revision concerns (advisory). It is designed not to duplicate pure “needs a citation” findings that Citation assist already covers.
• What it is not: It is not a database originality report and not a guarantee about school or publisher checkers. Always follow your instructor’s required tools.

Which should I run?

1. Unsure if passages need sources? → Citation assist first.
2. Ready to add real metadata? → Insert citation.
3. Want another lens on phrasing overlap on PRO/Platinum? → Advanced similarity check (when available), in addition—not instead—of your school’s policies.

Related: Review: citation assist and similarity check, Insert citation: DOI, URL, and library.