How to Cite ChatGPT in MLA and APA
Updated
Knowing how to cite ChatGPT matters once your teacher or publisher allows AI tools: using AI text or ideas without saying so can count as plagiarism or a policy breach. Both MLA and APA have published guidance. Here are the elements each one asks for, with links to the sources, and the steps that apply whichever style you use.
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How to Cite ChatGPT in MLA Style
The MLA Style Center says it does not recommend treating an AI tool as an author. Instead, its works-cited template uses: a description of what was generated (which can be the prompt) as the title, the tool's name as the container (ChatGPT), the version, the company (OpenAI), the date the content was generated, and the tool's URL.
MLA's own example: "Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald" prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.
How to Cite ChatGPT in APA Style
APA 7 reference format for generative AI, as summarised in Murdoch University's library guide based on the APA Style Blog's September 2025 guidance: Author. (Year of latest update). Name of AI program [Type of AI model]. URL. For ChatGPT, the author is the company, OpenAI, and the type of model is a large language model.
APA guidance also asks you to describe how you used the tool, for example in the method section or introduction, and many guides suggest keeping the full conversation as an appendix or supplementary file.
Steps That Apply to Any Style
- Check the rules first: your school, journal or employer may forbid AI use for the task, whatever the citation.
- Save the conversation: AI responses change between sessions, so keep a copy or link of the chat you used.
- Quote or paraphrase honestly: mark exact AI text as a quotation; cite paraphrased ideas too.
- Verify facts: AI tools can invent sources and statistics; cite the original source for any fact you rely on.
Citing Is Not the Same as Being Allowed
A correct citation shows where words or ideas came from. It doesn't make AI use acceptable where your course or publisher has banned it. If you're unsure, ask before you submit, and say clearly what you used AI for.
Frequently asked questions
No. The MLA Style Center says it does not recommend treating the AI tool as an author.
Author. (Year of latest update). Name of AI program [Type of AI model]. URL, with OpenAI as the author. Check the APA Style Blog for the latest guidance.
It's a good idea. Responses vary between sessions, and many guides recommend saving the chat as an appendix or record.
No. A citation shows your source; it doesn't override a course or publisher rule against AI use.
Sources
- How do I cite generative AI in MLA style? (MLA Style Center, read on )
- APA 7th: Generative AI (Murdoch University Library, read on )