How do I cite a preprint in PLOS?

To cite a preprint in PLOS (current), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What does the in-text citation look like for a preprint in PLOS?

In PLOS, the in-text citation for the example above is [1]

How to Cite a Preprint in PLOS (current)

Learn how to cite arXiv, bioRxiv, and other preprint server papers in PLOS format (current). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

PLOS Reference List Format

Here is the standard PLOS format for citing a preprint in your reference list:

PLOS Example for a Preprint

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

1. Petrov I, Osei A. Reference accuracy in large language model output. arXiv. 2024. doi:10.48550/arXiv.2403.01234

Matching in-text citation: [1]

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your preprint.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the PLOS (current) 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 PLOS requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model.

CSL style record: plos.csl

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a preprint in PLOS?: To cite a preprint in PLOS (current), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the PLOS format for a preprint citation?: The PLOS format for a preprint is: 1. Petrov I, Osei A. Reference accuracy in large language model output. arXiv. 2024. doi:10.48550/arXiv.2403.01234
What does the in-text citation look like for a preprint in PLOS?: In PLOS, the in-text citation for the example above is [1]