How to Cite ChatGPT and AI Tools
As AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot become commonplace in academic research and writing, knowing how to properly cite them is essential. Major citation styles have issued updated guidance for referencing AI-generated content, and universities increasingly require transparent disclosure of AI use. This guide covers how to cite AI tools in APA 7th edition, MLA 9th edition, and Chicago 17th edition with clear examples.
Why Citing AI Matters
Citing AI-generated content is not just a formatting requirement. It is a matter of academic integrity, transparency, and intellectual honesty. When you use AI to generate text, summarize sources, brainstorm ideas, write code, or create images, your readers need to know. Proper citation allows them to evaluate the reliability of your sources, understand your research process, and replicate your methods. Many universities now treat undisclosed AI use the same way they treat plagiarism, making accurate citation more important than ever.
APA 7th Edition
The American Psychological Association updated its guidance to treat AI tools as software or algorithm-based sources. Since AI-generated text is not retrievable in the same way as a published work, APA recommends citing the tool itself and describing how you used it in your method section or a footnote.
Reference List Format
ChatGPT:
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
Claude:
Anthropic. (2024). Claude (3.5 Sonnet version) [Large language model]. https://claude.ai
Gemini:
Google. (2024). Gemini (1.5 Pro version) [Large language model]. https://gemini.google.com
In-Text Citation
Parenthetical: (OpenAI, 2024)
Narrative: OpenAI (2024) generated the following summary...
APA also recommends including the prompt you used in your text or as a supplemental material, and noting the specific version and date of the AI output. Since AI responses are not stable or retrievable, providing context about how the output was generated helps readers evaluate the source.
MLA 9th Edition
The Modern Language Association treats AI-generated text similarly to how it handles other non-human-authored sources. MLA style places the prompt you used as the title of the work, since there is no traditional author.
Works Cited Format
ChatGPT:
"Describe the symbolism in The Great Gatsby" prompt. ChatGPT, 14 Mar. 2024 version, OpenAI, 15 Mar. 2024, chat.openai.com.
Claude:
"Summarize recent findings on sleep deprivation" prompt. Claude, 3.5 Sonnet version, Anthropic, 20 Apr. 2024, claude.ai.
In-Text Citation
("Describe the symbolism in The Great Gatsby")
In MLA, you can shorten a long prompt in the in-text citation. The full prompt should appear in the Works Cited entry. If you used multiple prompts in a conversation, cite the initial prompt and note the follow-up prompts in your discussion.
Chicago 17th Edition
The Chicago Manual of Style recommends citing AI-generated content in footnotes or endnotes, with an optional bibliography entry. Chicago treats AI text as similar to a personal communication since it is not recoverable by readers.
Footnote Format
Footnote:
1. Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, March 15, 2024, https://chat.openai.com.
With prompt:
1. ChatGPT, response to "Explain the causes of World War I," OpenAI, March 15, 2024, https://chat.openai.com.
Bibliography Format
OpenAI. ChatGPT. March 15, 2024. https://chat.openai.com.
Chicago notes that since AI-generated content cannot be retrieved or verified by readers, authors should include the full text of the AI output in an appendix when possible.
Other AI Tools
The same citation principles apply to all AI tools. Identify the company as the author, name the specific tool and version, include the date, and provide a URL when available.
Microsoft Copilot (APA)
Microsoft. (2024). Copilot [Large language model]. https://copilot.microsoft.com
DALL-E (APA)
OpenAI. (2024). DALL-E 3 [AI image generator]. https://openai.com/dall-e-3
Midjourney (APA)
Midjourney. (2024). Midjourney (v6) [AI image generator]. https://www.midjourney.com
GitHub Copilot (APA)
GitHub. (2024). GitHub Copilot [AI code assistant]. https://github.com/features/copilot
Best Practices for Citing AI Responsibly
- Always disclose AI use: Even if your style guide does not yet have a formal format, tell your reader that AI was used and explain how.
- Save your prompts and outputs: AI conversations are ephemeral. Screenshot or copy-paste the full exchange so you can reference it later or include it in an appendix.
- Note the specific version and date: AI models change frequently. The same prompt may produce different results a week later, so the version and date are critical.
- Verify AI-generated claims: Do not cite AI output as a primary source for factual claims. Always verify information against published, peer-reviewed sources.
- Follow your institution's AI policy: Citation does not equal permission. Many universities have specific policies about when and how AI tools may be used.
- Be specific about what was AI-generated: Clarify whether the AI generated text, summarized sources, translated content, wrote code, or created images.
- Include the prompt when possible: Your prompt is part of the methodology. Including it helps readers understand the context of the AI output.
Generate AI Citations Instantly
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to cite ChatGPT?
- Yes. If you use ChatGPT or any AI tool to generate text, ideas, data, code, or images that appear in your work, you must cite it. APA, MLA, and Chicago all have specific formats for citing AI-generated content. Failing to cite AI use may be considered a form of academic dishonesty.
- How do I cite AI-generated images?
- For AI-generated images from tools like DALL-E or Midjourney, cite the AI tool as the author and include the prompt you used. In APA format: OpenAI. (2024). Image generated by DALL-E [AI-generated image]. In MLA, describe the prompt in quotation marks followed by the tool name, version, company, and date.
- What if my professor doesn't allow AI?
- If your instructor prohibits AI use, you should not use AI tools for that assignment regardless of whether you cite them. Citing AI does not grant permission to use it. Always check your course syllabus, assignment instructions, and institutional academic integrity policy before using AI tools in academic work.
- How do I cite a specific ChatGPT conversation?
- In APA, include the version of ChatGPT and the date of the conversation. If you have a shared conversation link, include it as the URL. In MLA, begin with your prompt in quotation marks, then list ChatGPT, the version, OpenAI, the date of the conversation, and the URL if available. Chicago recommends a footnote with the tool name, company, date, and URL.