How to Cite a PDF in Harvard (Cite Them Right)
Learn how to cite PDF documents and reports in Harvard format (Cite Them Right). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
Harvard Reference List Format
Here is the standard Harvard format for citing a pdf in your reference list:
Author, A.A. (Year) Title of document [PDF]. Place: Publisher. Available at: URL (Accessed: Day Month Year).
Harvard Example for a PDF
A complete Harvard reference for a pdf, formatted by the official Harvard CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Open Scholarship Council (2023) Annual review of open scholarship. Geneva: Open Scholarship Council. Available at: https://www.example.org/reports/2023.pdf.
Matching in-text citation: (Open Scholarship Council, 2023)
Harvard In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Organization, 2024, p. 5)
Narrative
Organization (2024) states...
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your pdf.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Harvard (Cite Them Right) 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 reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Harvard requirements.
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