This guide shows you how to download a Turnitin similarity report as a student. You will also learn what to do if the download button is hidden and how long reports take. Menus look slightly different across Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, and Brightspace. The steps below cover the main path and the newest viewer.
Before You Start: Can You See the Report?
Students can open a report only when the teacher turns on student access in the course settings. If you see a score badge or color bar next to your file, you have access. If you see only "Submitted" or a receipt icon, access is turned off or the report is still running.
How to Download the Similarity Report (Feedback Studio)
- Open your class assignment in Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, or Turnitin.
- Click your similarity score badge to open Feedback Studio.
- Click the download icon (a down arrow) in the right-hand side toolbar.
- Select Current View to export a PDF with highlighted matches and the full source list.
- Save the PDF with the date in the file name so you can compare later drafts.
Does your school use the newer Turnitin viewer? Click the Download button in the top-right corner and choose Similarity Report PDF. It saves the exact same report.
If There Is No Download Option
- Ask your teacher or advisor: ask them to turn on student viewing or email you the PDF file.
- Use a draft check folder: many graduate schools provide a practice Turnitin slot set to "no repository" so you can test drafts safely.
- Write down the top sources: if you can view the report on screen but cannot save it, note the top 5 sources and their percentages.
Never upload your thesis to random "free Turnitin checker" websites. Shady third-party sites often save or sell student files. If your draft lands in a shared database, your real university submission will flag at 95% to 100% self-plagiarism later.
How Long Does a Turnitin Similarity Report Take?
First uploads usually finish in 5 to 15 minutes. Long dissertations or busy exam nights can take an hour. If your class allows re-uploads, note Turnitin's 24-hour rule: your first three uploads run fast, but the fourth upload in the same slot waits a full 24 hours.
Similarity Index: What the Number in Your PDF Means
The "similarity index" on the cover page of your PDF is the exact same thing as your overall similarity score. It shows the share of your words that match text in Turnitin's database. Read our guide on what Turnitin similarity means to read the color bars, and see what counts as a good Turnitin score for your paper type.
If your report flags chapters that need cleaner citations, our thesis editing services help you quote and rewrite properly. Submitting a paper to a peer-reviewed journal? Our research paper editing service and Scopus Q1 and Q2 publication support help you pass iThenticate screening cleanly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I download my Turnitin similarity report?
Usually because your teacher turned off student access for that assignment, or the report is still running. Ask your teacher to enable student view or send you the PDF.
How long does a Turnitin similarity report take?
Most first reports finish in 5 to 15 minutes. If you re-upload to the same assignment more than three times, Turnitin delays the new report for 24 hours.
Is the similarity index the same as the similarity score?
Yes. Turnitin and universities use "similarity index" and "similarity score" to mean the exact same overall match percentage.
Is a digital receipt the same as a similarity report?
No. The digital receipt only proves you uploaded your file on time (name, date, and paper ID). The similarity report shows your match percentage and highlighted sources.