AI citations

Ways to Cite AI

MLA (9th Edition)

Works Cited Example:
ChatGPT. Response to “Explain the greenhouse effect in simple terms.” 12 May 2025. OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com/.

In-text citation:
(ChatGPT)

MLA recommends including:

  • The AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT)
  • The prompt (what was asked)
  • The date you accessed it
  • The platform or container (OpenAI, with the URL)

MLA’s Official Guidance

APA (7th Edition)

Reference List Example:
OpenAI. (2025, May 12). ChatGPT response to “Explain the greenhouse effect in simple terms.” https://chat.openai.com/

In-text citation:
(OpenAI, 2025)

APA treats AI tools as works with no human author. Include:

  • The company name (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.)
  • The date of the response
  • A description of the prompt as a title
  • The direct URL

APA’s Official Guidance

Chicago Style (17th Edition – Notes & Bibliography)

Footnote Example:

ChatGPT, response to “Explain the greenhouse effect in simple terms,” OpenAI, May 12, 2025, https://chat.openai.com/.

Chicago recommends treating AI output like personal communication or unpublished content. Use descriptive citations in footnotes with:

  • The tool
  • The prompt
  • The date
  • The source platform

Chicago’s Official Guidance

Informal Citation for Student Projects

When formal citations aren’t required (e.g., in a slide deck or reflection), encourage short, clear statements like:

  • “I used ChatGPT to brainstorm my subtopics.”
  • “The image on slide 2 was generated using Canva’s AI art tool.”
  • “I asked Perplexity to explain pros and cons, and used my own words to summarize.”
  • “The voiceover script was based on a ChatGPT outline, which I edited.”

These statements can be added to:

  • Speaker notes
  • Slide footers
  • Process journals
  • Final reflection pages
  • Video captions or credits