Skip to content
← All Citation Guides

How to Cite ChatGPT in Chicago (17th edition)

Learn how to cite ChatGPT and other generative AI tools in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Chicago Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Chicago format for citing ChatGPT in your bibliography:

Cite in a note, not the bibliography: Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, Month Day, Year, chat.openai.com/chat.

Chicago In-Text Citation

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

Parenthetical

Footnote: ¹

Narrative

Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, Month Day, Year, chat.openai.com/chat.

Key Chicago Formatting Rules

  • Cite AI-generated text in a footnote or endnote, not in the bibliography.
  • Identify the AI in the note: Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, date, URL.
  • Include the date you generated the content and the tool's URL.
  • If the prompt is not in your text, add it: ChatGPT, response to "prompt," OpenAI, date.
  • Mention the AI tool and how you used it in the main text where possible.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your ChatGPT.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.

Generate This Citation Automatically

Skip the manual formatting. Paste a DOI, URL, or ISBN into CitationEasy and get a perfectly formatted Chicago citation in seconds.

Cite in Chicago Now →

Cite ChatGPT in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in Chicago

More Resources