ref-check

Cross-reference in-text citations against reference lists in .docx academic papers.

Updated Feb 17, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/elad-refoua/claude-code-skills --skill ref-check
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ref-check
Source: https://github.com/elad-refoua/claude-code-skills/tree/main/ref-check
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/elad-refoua/claude-code-skills --skill ref-check

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires python-docx, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Ensures academic integrity by automatically cross-referencing in-text citations with a paper's reference list, flagging discrepancies and saving researchers significant time.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Citation-Reference Matching: Identifies exact, fuzzy, missing, and uncited entries.
  • Color-Coded Output: Generates a Word document with clear visual indicators (green, cyan, yellow, red) for quick review.
  • LLM Verification: Leverages Claude Code sub-agents (Sonnet and Opus) for robust, double-checked accuracy.
  • Use Case: A PhD student can use this skill to quickly audit their manuscript for any citation errors before submission, ensuring all cited works are listed and all listed works are cited.

Quick Start

Run the ref_check.py script on your document to highlight citation and reference matches.

Frequently Asked Questions about ref-check

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I verify in-text citations against a reference list in a Word document?

Verify citations in a .docx academic paper by running a Python script that cross-references in-text citations against the reference list, producing a color-coded Word document and structured JSON output for LLM verification.

Can I automatically highlight missing and uncited references in academic writing?

Automatically highlight missing and uncited references by generating a color-coded Word document that uses visual indicators like green, cyan, yellow, and red to flag exact, fuzzy, missing, and uncited entries for quick review.

What is the best way to cross-reference citations in a .docx file before submission?

Cross-reference citations in a .docx file by using Python for initial regex extraction and highlighting, followed by Claude Code sub-agents for independent citation extraction and final verification of unmatched items to ensure academic integrity.

Does this citation verification tool work with python-docx?

This citation verification tool works with python-docx as a required dependency to parse academic papers, extract citations using regex, and generate the final color-coded Word document output.

How does LLM verification work for unmatched document citations?

LLM verification for unmatched document citations works by leveraging Claude Code sub-agents, specifically Sonnet and Opus, to perform independent citation extraction and final verification on items that the initial regex extraction could not match.

What are the limitations of using regex for document analysis in academic writing?

Regex extraction for document analysis in academic writing may miss complex or non-standard citation formats, which is why this approach supplements initial Python regex extraction with Claude Code LLM sub-agents to verify unmatched items.