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OJS Plugin

Integrate GoValid with Open Journal Systems (OJS) for academic publishing.

Overview​

The GoValid OJS Plugin enables academic journals to:

  • Add verification QR codes to published articles
  • Authenticate article PDFs
  • Track article access and downloads
  • Prevent document fraud

Supported Versions​

OJS VersionPlugin VersionStatus
OJS 3.4.x2.xSupported
OJS 3.3.x2.xSupported
OJS 3.2.x1.xLegacy

Installation​

GoValid Tools floating action button (FAB) in OJS dashboard

The GoValid Tools floating action button (FAB) in the OJS dashboard provides quick access to all plugin features.

  1. Log in to OJS as Administrator
  2. Go to Settings → Website → Plugins
  3. Click Plugin Gallery
  4. Search for "GoValid"
  5. Click Install
  6. Enable the plugin

Manual Installation​

  1. Download from GoValid Third-Party Downloads
  2. Extract to /plugins/generic/govalid/ in your OJS installation
  3. Go to Settings → Website → Plugins
  4. Find GoValid and click Enable

Configuration​

API Setup​

Plugin Settings – Toolbar Visibility, Designer Tools, and Smart Verify Widget configuration

The GoValid plugin settings in OJS let you configure Toolbar Visibility, Designer Tools, and Smart Verify Widget options.

  1. Go to Settings → Website → Plugins
  2. Find GoValid plugin → Settings
  3. Enter your GoValid API key
  4. Configure QR placement options
  5. Save settings

Settings Options​

SettingDescription
API KeyYour GoValid API key
QR PositionWhere to place QR on PDF
QR SizeSize of QR code (small/medium/large)
Include MetadataEmbed article metadata in QR
Auto-GenerateGenerate QR on publish

Features​

Automatic QR Generation​

When enabled, QR codes are automatically generated when articles are published:

  1. Article is submitted and reviewed
  2. Editor publishes the article
  3. GoValid plugin generates verification QR
  4. QR is embedded in article PDF
  5. Readers can scan to verify authenticity

Certificate Designer – Letter of Acceptance template with Search by Submission ID

The Certificate Designer lets journal managers create verifiable certificates with pre-built templates, searchable by Submission ID.

Reference Validation (MaRS) – Results summary with Scopus & CrossRef comparison

Reference Validation results show a summary of validated references with Scopus & CrossRef comparison, with CSV and PDF export options.

QR Code Content​

The generated QR contains:

{
  "type": "academic_article",
  "journal": "Journal Name",
  "title": "Article Title",
  "authors": ["Author 1", "Author 2"],
  "doi": "10.1234/example",
  "published": "2025-01-29",
  "verification_url": "https://govalid.org/verify/abc123"
}

Verification Page​

When scanned, users see:

  • Article title and authors
  • Journal name and issue
  • Publication date
  • DOI link
  • Verification status (authentic/modified/unknown)

Email Template Designer – Live preview with certificate email layout

The Email Template Designer provides a live preview of certificate email layouts for authors, reviewers, and editors.

Reference Validation – Per-citation status showing Validated / Not Validated with source badges

Per-citation validation status shows each reference as Validated or Not Validated with source badges.

PDF Stamping​

Placement Options​

PositionBest For
First Page HeaderHigh visibility
First Page FooterStandard placement
Last PageLess intrusive
All PagesMaximum security

Customization​

  • Upload journal logo to include
  • Set custom verification message
  • Choose QR code colors
  • Add watermark text

Workflow Integration​

Submission Workflow​

Submission → Review → Copyediting → Production → [GoValid QR] → Publication

Galley Integration​

QR codes are added to PDF galleys:

  1. Upload PDF galley
  2. Plugin processes PDF
  3. QR code added to specified position
  4. Modified PDF saved as new galley
  5. Original preserved as backup

API Integration​

For custom integrations:

// Get verification status
$govalid = new GoValidOJSClient($apiKey);
$result = $govalid->verify($articleId);

// Generate QR for article
$qr = $govalid->generateArticleQR([
    'article_id' => $articleId,
    'journal_id' => $journalId,
    'include_authors' => true
]);

Troubleshooting​

QR Not Appearing​

  1. Check API key is valid
  2. Verify plugin is enabled
  3. Check PDF galley exists
  4. Review error logs

Verification Failing​

  1. Ensure article was published with plugin active
  2. Check QR code is not damaged
  3. Verify internet connection
  4. Try manual verification at govalid.org

PDF Processing Errors​

  1. Check PDF is not password-protected
  2. Ensure PDF is valid format
  3. Check file size limits
  4. Review PHP memory limits

Support​