How do I cite an AI-generated image in MLA?

To cite an AI-generated image in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What is the MLA format for an AI-generated image citation?

The MLA format for an AI-generated image is: Fig. 1. “Text of your prompt” prompt, Tool, version or model, Company, Day Month Year, share URL.

What does the in-text citation look like for an AI-generated image in MLA?

In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is (“Create an expressionist-style image”)

How to Cite an AI-Generated Image in MLA (9th edition)

Learn how to cite images made with DALL·E, Midjourney, Gemini, and other AI tools in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

MLA Works Cited Format

Here is the standard MLA format for citing an AI-generated image in your Works Cited page:

Fig. 1. “Text of your prompt” prompt, Tool, version or model, Company, Day Month Year, share URL.

MLA Example for an AI-Generated Image

A complete MLA reference for an AI-generated image, written by hand and checked against the official MLA guidance for this source:

“Create an expressionist-style image of two people standing on a beach looking at the ocean” prompt. DALL-E, version 3, OpenAI, 23 Sept. 2024, chatgpt.com/share/66f1c3a3-3f90-8000-9750-82c57c4a6592.

Matching in-text citation: Fig. 1. “Create an expressionist-style image of two people standing on a beach looking at the ocean” prompt, DALL-E, version 3, OpenAI, 23 Sept. 2024, chatgpt.com/share/66f1c3a3-3f90-8000-9750-82c57c4a6592.

MLA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(“Create an expressionist-style image”)

Narrative

Figure 1 was generated with DALL-E (“Create an expressionist-style image”).

Key MLA Formatting Rules

Label the image Fig. and a number, and build the caption from the prompt, the tool (italicized in a typed paper), the version or model, the company, the date, and the link, as in MLA’s DALL-E example.
Write version 3 for a numbered release and model plus the name for a named model, such as model Imagen 4.
If the caption gives complete information and you do not cite the image elsewhere in your text, MLA needs no works-cited entry; otherwise add one with the same elements.
Prefer a stable share or gallery link; use the tool’s general URL only when none exists.

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your AI-generated image.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples on this page are written by hand from the style's own published guidance and checked against it, because the general CSL styles do not encode this source's rules. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.

Metadata to collect

the image tool and model, such as DALL-E 3, Midjourney V7, Gemini, or Adobe Firefly
the company that makes the tool
the exact prompt, including any later refinements
the date you generated the image
a public share or gallery link to the image, if one exists
the figure number you give the image in your paper

Common metadata traps

An image needs its credit next to it, in a figure note or caption, not only in a reference list at the end.
If you edited or combined the generated image with other material, say so in the caption (CMOS 18 §3.38 uses “adapted from”), because the figure is no longer the tool’s raw output.
Image tools are often inside other products (DALL-E in ChatGPT, Imagen in Gemini, Firefly in Photoshop), so name the model that actually made the image, and remember APA’s Part 2 post needs no reference for images made with AI built into everyday software such as Canva.

Editorial sources

MLA Style Center — works cited →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite an AI-generated image in MLA?: To cite an AI-generated image in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the MLA format for an AI-generated image citation?: The MLA format for an AI-generated image is: Fig. 1. “Text of your prompt” prompt, Tool, version or model, Company, Day Month Year, share URL.
What does the in-text citation look like for an AI-generated image in MLA?: In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is (“Create an expressionist-style image”)