How to use the citation generator
- Pick your style (APA, MLA or Chicago) and the source type (website, book or journal).
- Fill in the fields you have — leave blank anything you don't.
- Copy the formatted citation into your reference list or bibliography.
A note on accuracy
This tool formats the details you enter into standard APA 7, MLA 9 and Chicago patterns. Citation styles have many edge cases (multiple authors, editions, DOIs, missing dates), so always check the result against your assignment's required style guide and adjust if needed. Garbage in, garbage out — accurate input gives an accurate citation.
Benefits
- Formats APA, MLA and Chicago citations for websites, books and journals.
- Fill only the fields you have — it builds the reference for you.
- One-click copy into your reference list or bibliography.
- Runs in your browser; nothing you enter is uploaded.
Limitations to know
- Citation styles have many edge cases (multiple authors, editions, DOIs) it can’t all cover.
- It formats what you type — accurate input is essential.
- Always check the result against your assignment’s required style guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trusting the output without proofreading it against the style guide.
- Entering the author in the wrong order — use Last, First.
- Leaving out key details like the year or publisher.
Alternatives
To check how long your paper is use Words to Pages; to review clarity use the Readability Checker.
Last updated: August 2026 · Reviewed by the AI Toolbox editorial team.
Frequently asked questions
Which styles are supported?
APA (7th edition), MLA (9th edition) and Chicago (notes-bibliography style) for websites, books and journal articles.
What about multiple authors?
Enter the primary author here; for multiple authors, add the rest following your style guide's format.
Is my data saved?
No — everything is formatted in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
Do I still need to proofread it?
Yes — always check against your required style guide for edge cases.