Process Feedback - Writing Process for Google Docs by Process Feedback

Used by 100,000+ teachers and students in 100+ countries. Free for individuals.

Process Feedback turns the edit history of any Google Docs document into a detailed Writing Process Report. It helps users explore possible AI use, along with typing time, copy-paste events, revision patterns, and more.

It is a free, research-backed alternative to tools like Draftback, Revision History, and Grammarly Authorship, with rich process insights, privacy-focused sharing, and support for teachers and students.

For students: understand your own writing process and share it to show your learning journey.

For teachers: see how students wrote, not just what they submitted.

What is the Process Feedback extension?

The extension reads the edit history Google already maintains for every document and turns the full writing journey into an interactive writing process report. It does not run in the background and collects no data unless the user chooses to share.

Key features

• Identify AI use timing and locations in your document's edit history
• Copy and paste events, including what was pasted and when
• Total typing time and typing fluency
• Revision vs. drafting time
• Break frequency and timing
• Author contributions in collaborative documents
• Teacher dashboard for managing and comparing multiple student reports
• Google Classroom integration
• Shareable report link and PDF download
• Multiple tabs support

Who is it for?

Students use it to reflect on their writing process and to prove their own work when academic integrity is questioned.

Teachers use it to understand how students approach writing, identify who needs support before deadlines, and start honest conversations about AI use without relying on unreliable AI detectors.

How is it different?

Unlike AI detectors that guess whether text was AI generated, Process Feedback shows writing history that helps users explore possible AI use, review pasted content, and see how the document evolved from the first keystroke to submission.

It is a free alternative to Draftback, Revision History, Grammarly Authorship, and Originality.ai, with rich process insights, better privacy, and no subscription required.

Built on peer-reviewed research published in Education Sciences (2023).

How does it work?

The extension reads the edit history Google already maintains for every document. Click "Writing Process Report" in the ribbon and it processes everything locally on your device and generates an interactive report instantly.

How do I use it?

1. Add this extension to Firefox.
2. Open your Google document.
3. Click "Writing Process Report" in the ribbon below the toolbar.
4. If needed, change the settings to show a simpler button instead.

How do I share the writing process report?

• Share link: copy the report URL and share it with your teacher or student
• Share PDF: click "Download Process Report" in the sidebar

For teachers

Visit processfeedback.org/gdocs for step-by-step instructions, including how to use the teacher dashboard for large classes.

Having trouble installing?

• Reload the Google Docs page after installing
• Your institution's IT department may need to approve new extensions
• If extension installation is restricted in your environment, you may need administrator approval

Privacy

• Privacy by default: your data never leaves your device unless you choose to share. When you do share, it collects only what is needed for that report.
• Data is only collected when a user chooses to save online to share a report, and only to enable that sharing.
• For co-edited documents, obtain permission from all co-authors before viewing or sharing process reports.
• Full privacy policy: processfeedback.org/privacy

Terms and conditions

By installing the extension you agree to the terms at processfeedback.org/terms.

Research citation

Adhikari, Badri; "Thinking Beyond Chatbots' Threat to Education: Visualizations to Elucidate the Writing or Coding Process"; Education Sciences; 2023.