How to Attach a Turnitin Report to a Word Document
Some instructors, supervisors and journals ask you to submit your Turnitin report together with your paper. Word gives you three ways to attach it. Which one you use depends on whether the reader needs the full interactive PDF or just to see the score.
Before you start, download your report as a PDF. See how to download a Turnitin report.
Method 1: Embed the PDF as an object
Best when the reader needs the full report inside your .docx.
- In Word, click where the report should go, usually a new page at the end.
- Go to Insert, then Object (in the Text group), then Object again.
- Choose the Create from File tab and click Browse.
- Select your Turnitin PDF.
- Tick Display as icon to show a small clickable icon, or leave it unticked to show the first page.
- Click OK. The reader double-clicks the object to open the full report.
On a Mac: Insert, Object, From File. The embedded file only works while the document stays a .docx.
Method 2: Insert the key pages as images
Best when the reader only needs to see the score and overview, or when you will export your paper to PDF.
- Open the report PDF and go to the overview page (page 2 in a standard report).
- Take a screenshot: Windows + Shift + S on Windows, Cmd + Shift + 4 on Mac.
- In Word, Insert, Pictures, and choose the screenshot.
- Add a caption such as "Figure A1. Turnitin similarity report overview".
Method 3: Add it as an appendix
Best for theses and dissertations.
- Add an appendix heading at the end of your paper, for example "Appendix A: Turnitin Similarity Report".
- Insert the overview page as an image (Method 2) so it shows in print and PDF.
- Submit the full report PDF as a separate file if the submission portal allows more than one file.
Which method should you use?
| Situation | Method |
|---|---|
| Submitting a .docx by email | 1. Embed as object |
| Exporting your paper to PDF | 2. Insert as images |
| Thesis or dissertation | 3. Appendix plus separate PDF |
| Instructor only wants the score | 2. Overview page image |
How to add Turnitin to Word
Many people searching "how to add Turnitin to Word" want to check a paper from inside Word. There is no general Turnitin add-in for students. Turnitin's Word integration, Draft Coach, is only available where your institution has licensed it, and it appears in Microsoft Word for the web when your university account is enabled. If you do not see it, your institution does not offer it. The alternative is to check the file before you submit and attach the report as shown above.
The pages you would attach
These are the overview pages most readers want: 1% similarity in one, 51% AI in the other.
Screenshots shown for illustration. Your own reports arrive as full PDFs in your dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Can I insert a PDF into Word?
Yes. Use Insert, Object, Create from File, then choose the PDF. Tick Display as icon to keep the document short.
Will the embedded report open on another computer?
Yes, as long as you send the .docx itself. Exporting the Word file to PDF turns the embedded object into a static icon or first-page image.
Should the report go before or after my paper?
Follow your instructor's instructions. If none are given, add it as a final appendix titled Turnitin Similarity Report.
Can I add Turnitin to Word?
Only if your institution licenses Turnitin Draft Coach, which appears in Word for the web for enabled university accounts. There is no general Turnitin add-in for students.