How to Check for AI-Generated Content on Google Docs: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent in academic, business, and SEO environments, it's crucial to identify and address it in your documents. This guide provides a step-by-step approach on whether can Google Docs detect AI and how to check for AI on Google Docs using third-party tools like Plagiarism Guard and others. You will have a step-by-step guide on how to find a Google Docs add-on in Google Workspace Marketplace, seamlessly integrate it into your academic workflow, allowing for quick and accurate AI content identification.

The Rise of AI-Generated Content

The integration of AI tools like GPT, Claude, and Gemini into content creation is reshaping academic, business, and SEO landscapes. These AI systems can produce human-like text swiftly, making them valuable for tasks such as drafting essays, generating reports, and optimizing web content. According to some studies, 95.6% of students use artificial intelligence in academic activities.
However, this advancement brings forth challenges in maintaining originality and academic integrity, and some institutions are not okay with it. For instance, a graduate student at the University of Minnesota was expelled after being accused of using AI during an open-book exam, despite denying the allegations. This incident highlights the necessity for clear and consistent guidelines regarding AI usage in academic settings. Experts argue that instead of punitive measures, universities should focus on educating students about ethical AI use and establishing transparent policies to guide its application in coursework.
So, how can you identify AI-generated content in your academic work? While Google Docs is widely used for writing and collaboration, it lacks native AI detection features. Fortunately, these limitations can be overcome by integrating external AI detection tools. Let's explore how these tools can enhance your ability to identify AI-written text effectively.

Can Google Docs Detect AI?

Short answer: No, Google Docs does not have a native AI detection tool.
To check for AI-generated content, you must use third-party add-ons like Plagiarism Guard or other specialized tools such as Pangram AI Detection, AI Detector, or AI Detector Pro. These tools provide deep insights into whether the content was produced by AI, offering accurate detection and valuable suggestions for humanizing the text.

Two Easy Ways to Check for AI-Generated Content in Google Docs

1. Google Docs Add‑Ons

Here's a quick guide using add‑ons:

• Extensions → Get add‑ons → search "ai detection"
• Install your chosen tool – for example, choose Plagiarism Guard
• Options like AI Detector and Pangram AI Detection can be found, but Plagiarism Guard is particularly useful for real-time scanning and AI detection within Google Docs.

Please see a demo below.

2. External Tools (Export + Upload)

You can also check for AI content using external AI detection websites:

• Export the document as a .docx file or copy the text
• Upload it to AI detection platforms like GPTZero.me or Quillbot.com
• Review the analysis report to identify any AI characteristics or patterns

While this method requires switching between platforms, it provides an additional layer of verification for AI content.

How to Use Plagiarism Guard for AI Detection in Google Docs

Plagiarism Guard integrates seamlessly with Google Docs and offers an intuitive AI detection process. Follow these steps:

1. Install the Plagiarism Guard plugin: Open Google Docs → Extensions → Get add‑ons → search "ai detectors", choose and install Plagiarism Guard
2. Authorize access when prompted to allow the tool to analyze your document
3. Launch the scan: Navigate to Extensions → Plagiarism Guard → Launch
4. Select the text you want to check.
5. Review the results: You'll receive a report detailing the likelihood that the text is AI-generated, along with a confidence percentage.
6. Use the built-in "humanize" feature to rewrite flagged AI text, ensuring that your document is more original and natural-sounding.

Plagiarism Guard simplifies the process of scanning for AI-generated content, making it easier for you to ensure the authenticity of your work.

AI Detection Tool Showdown: Which One's Best for Google Docs?

Not all AI detection tools for Google Docs are created equal. While many claim to offer comprehensive scanning or AI detection, the reality is often mixed—some excel in depth, others in speed, some in usability, and very few in all three. To help you decide, we've compared the top options based on what truly matters: how well they detect AI-generated content, whether they can also check for plagiarism, if they offer humanization tools to rewrite flagged content, and what you get at different pricing tiers.

Here's how Plagiarism Guard, Pangram AI Detection, AI Detector, and AI Detector Pro stack up:

Why Choose Plagiarism Guard Over Other AI Detection Tools

• • Full-feature coverage: Plagiarism Guard offers more than just AI detection. It also checks for plagiarism and includes a built-in humanization tool to rewrite flagged AI text, providing a comprehensive solution for content authenticity.
• • Generous, Flexible Plans: Start with a free tier that offers 800 words of plagiarism detection, 400 words of AI detection, and 1,000 words for rewriting. Paid plans start at just $9.99 per month, offering clear word limits and no vague charges per scan.
• • Best Value for Features: Unlike many competitors, Plagiarism Guard offers a combination of features for a competitive price, without upsells or enterprise-only access.
• • Seamless Workflow in Google Docs: Unlike some tools that only scan for AI content, Plagiarism Guard enables you to scan, detect, and humanize text directly in Google Docs, saving time and ensuring a smooth workflow.

Quick Tips for Effective Usage

• • Use deep scans to catch subtle AI traits such as repetitive structures or unnatural phrasing
• • Look for patterns typical of AI writing, like overly formal tone or mechanical transitions
• • Revise flagged content using the "humanize" feature in Plagiarism Guard to improve originality

Your Next Step Toward Spotting AI-Generated Content

Google Docs does not have a native AI detection feature, but with Plagiarism Guard, you can easily detect AI-generated text. It's quick, accurate, and privacy-conscious. Don't wait—install now and try a free scan to see how Plagiarism Guard can help you maintain the authenticity of your content.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check for AI-generated content in Google Docs step by step?

Start by installing a trusted AI detection tool like Plagiarism Guard from the Google Workspace Marketplace. After installation, open your document, launch the add-on, and select the text to scan. You'll receive a detailed report on any AI-generated sections, with suggestions for improving the text.

Why doesn't Google Docs include AI detection by default?

Google Docs is built for collaboration and content creation, not for verifying AI content. Detecting AI text requires specialized analysis of writing patterns, something that third-party tools like Plagiarism Guard are designed to handle effectively.

How do I choose the right AI detection add-on for Google Docs?

Consider your needs—if you want real-time AI detection and the ability to rewrite flagged sections, Plagiarism Guard is an excellent choice. Other tools may offer basic scanning, but Plagiarism Guard provides a comprehensive solution with humanization features.

Is AI-generated text considered plagiarism?

AI-generated text isn't always plagiarism but often lacks originality and may reuse patterns from training data. Many institutions now treat uncredited AI use as unethical. Tools like Plagiarism Guard can help rewrite AI content into more original, authentic text.

What happens to my document when I run an AI scan?

Some tools process content on external servers, which may raise privacy concerns. Plagiarism Guard ensures your document stays within Google Docs, keeping your content secure and under your control while scanning for AI-generated text.