How to Cite a PDF in IEEE (standard)
Learn how to cite PDF documents and reports in IEEE format (standard). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
IEEE Reference List Format
Here is the standard IEEE format for citing a pdf in your reference list:
[1] A. A. Author, Title of Document. Place: Publisher, Year. [Online]. Available: URL.
IEEE Example for a PDF
A complete IEEE reference for a pdf, formatted by the official IEEE CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
[1] Open Scholarship Council, “Annual review of open scholarship,” Open Scholarship Council, Geneva, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.example.org/reports/2023.pdf
Matching in-text citation: [1]
IEEE In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
[1]
Narrative
In [1], the report 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 IEEE (standard) 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 IEEE requirements.
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