How to Cite ChatGPT in Chicago (17th edition)
Learn how to cite ChatGPT and other generative AI tools in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
Chicago Bibliography Format
Here is the standard Chicago format for citing ChatGPT in your bibliography:
Cite in a note, not the bibliography: ChatGPT or model name, response to "Text of your prompt," OpenAI, Month Day, Year, public share URL.
Chicago In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
Footnote: ¹
Narrative
ChatGPT, response to "Text of your prompt," OpenAI, Month Day, Year, public share URL.
Key Chicago Formatting Rules
- Cite AI-generated text in a footnote or endnote, not in the bibliography.
- Identify the tool or model, company, and date in the note.
- Include a public conversation URL when one is available.
- If the prompt is not in your text, add it: ChatGPT, response to "prompt," OpenAI, date.
- Mention the AI tool and how you used it in the main text where possible.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your ChatGPT.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th 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 bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.
Evidence and review notes
Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.
CSL style record: chicago.csl
Editorial sources
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite ChatGPT in Chicago?
- To cite ChatGPT in Chicago (17th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the Chicago format for ChatGPT citation?
- The Chicago format for ChatGPT is: Cite in a note, not the bibliography: ChatGPT or model name, response to "Text of your prompt," OpenAI, Month Day, Year, public share URL.
- What does the in-text citation look like for ChatGPT in Chicago?
- In Chicago, the in-text citation for the example above is Footnote: ¹
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