Reference checker
Paste a bibliography in any style. We check each reference against Crossref, OpenAlex and Retraction Watch data.
Questions
What does "not found" mean?
Neither Crossref nor OpenAlex has a record whose title and first author match the line. Real references can be missing, especially reports, theses and local journals, but a reference that exists nowhere is the usual mark of one an AI tool made up.
When do you correct a reference?
Only when the publisher's Crossref record matches the title and first author, and another detail such as the volume or first page confirms it is the same paper. A difference we cannot confirm is shown for you to check, not changed.
How do you know a paper was retracted?
Crossref records retractions and withdrawals, including the Retraction Watch database it now maintains. A retracted paper is flagged with a link to the notice.
Do you keep my bibliography?
No. Your list is not saved to any account. Answers from Crossref and OpenAlex are cached for up to a week under a one-way fingerprint, so a repeat check is fast.