How do I cite a preprint in Vancouver?

To cite a preprint in Vancouver (ICMJE), 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 Vancouver?

In Vancouver, the in-text citation for the example above is (1)

How to Cite a Preprint in Vancouver (ICMJE)

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

Vancouver Reference List Format

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

Author AA, Author BB. Title of preprint. Repository Name [Preprint]. Year [cited Year Mon Day]. Available from: https://doi.org/xxxxx

Vancouver Example for a Preprint

A complete Vancouver reference for a preprint, formatted by the official Vancouver 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.

Matching in-text citation: (1)

Vancouver In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(1)

Narrative

Author (1) reported...

Key Vancouver Formatting Rules

Add the [Preprint] tag after the repository name.
Include the DOI under 'Available from:'.
Include the [cited Year Mon Day] access date.
Number references in order of first appearance in the text.

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 Vancouver (ICMJE) 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 Vancouver 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: vancouver.csl

Editorial sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a preprint in Vancouver?: To cite a preprint in Vancouver (ICMJE), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the Vancouver format for a preprint citation?: The Vancouver format for a preprint is: Author AA, Author BB. Title of preprint. Repository Name [Preprint]. Year [cited Year Mon Day]. Available from: https://doi.org/xxxxx
What does the in-text citation look like for a preprint in Vancouver?: In Vancouver, the in-text citation for the example above is (1)