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How to Cite a PDF in CSE (8th edition)

Learn how to cite PDF documents and reports in CSE format (8th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

CSE Reference List Format

Here is the standard CSE format for citing a pdf in your reference list:

CSE Example for a PDF

A complete CSE reference for a pdf, formatted by the official CSE CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

Open Scholarship Council. 2023. Annual review of open scholarship [Internet]. Geneva: Open Scholarship Council. https://www.example.org/reports/2023.pdf

Matching in-text citation: (Open Scholarship Council 2023)

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your pdf.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the CSE (8th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match CSE requirements.

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Cite a PDF in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in CSE

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