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 requires specific elements like author, title, date, and source location arranged in a particular order.

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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:

Follow the standard PLOS template for this source type.

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.

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Cite a Preprint in Other Styles

Preprint in APA Preprint in MLA Preprint in Chicago Preprint in Harvard Preprint in Vancouver Preprint in IEEE Preprint in AMA Preprint in Turabian Preprint in CSE Preprint in BibTeX Preprint in Nature Preprint in ACS Preprint in OSCOLA Preprint in Bluebook Preprint in AGLC Preprint in ASA Preprint in APSA Preprint in AAA Preprint in NLM Preprint in ACM Preprint in APS Preprint in AIP Preprint in Cell Preprint in Science Preprint in BMJ Preprint in Lancet Preprint in JAMA Preprint in Elsevier Harvard Preprint in Springer

Cite Other Sources in PLOS

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