You've been accused of using AI: what to gather

General information, not legal advice. It cannot tell you how a particular teacher, client or organizer will decide.

1. Find the process evidence that already exists

Evidence of how a piece was made is often already stored by the tools you used. Look for:

• Google Docs: version history (File, Version history). It shows edits over time.
• Drawing and design apps: layer panels and history panels, and any saved working files (not only the final export).
• Cloud drives: earlier versions of the same file, with their save times.
• File details: creation and modified times of exported files and of earlier drafts, notes, sketches and reference material.

2. Put it in time order

Make one list, oldest first. For each item write the date, what the file is, and where it came from. Keep copies of the original files; do not rename or edit them. Screenshots of version history are useful as an addition, not as a replacement for the files.

3. What not to say

• Do not state things you cannot show. Say what the evidence shows and stop there.
• Do not claim that a record proves you did not use AI. Records of this kind show when files existed; they cannot prove how the content was produced.
• Do not argue about the detector in anger. Present the timeline and ask what the other side needs to see.

4. If you have nothing yet

If, after checking the places above, you have only the final file, say so plainly rather than producing anything new. For your next piece, start keeping a record before you begin.