ChatGPT & AI Citation Generator
Cite ChatGPT and other generative AI tools the way your style guide requires. APA, MLA, and Chicago have each published official, distinct formats for AI-generated content — this page shows the exact reference, Works Cited, and footnote forms with in-text examples, plus links to a full guide for every style.
ChatGPT Citation Examples
APA 7th editionReference list
OpenAI. (Year). ChatGPT (Mon. Day version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
In-text: (OpenAI, Year)
MLA 9th editionWorks Cited
"Text of your prompt" prompt. ChatGPT, [version], OpenAI, Day Month Year, chat.openai.com.
In-text: ("Text of your prompt")
Chicago (note)Footnote — not the bibliography
Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, Month Day, Year, chat.openai.com/chat.
In-text: Cited in a numbered footnote
Cite ChatGPT in Any Style
Each guide below covers the reference format, in-text citation, and key rules for that style:
How to Cite ChatGPT Step by Step
- Record the prompt and output. AI conversations are ephemeral — copy your prompt and the response so you can reference them later or add them to an appendix.
- Note the version and date. Models change often, so capture the model version and the date you generated the response.
- Pick your style's format. APA cites the company (OpenAI) as author; MLA leads with your prompt; Chicago uses a note, not a bibliography entry.
- Add the in-text citation. Use (OpenAI, Year) in APA, the prompt in MLA, or a numbered footnote in Chicago.
Need other AI tools or more detail?
Our full guide covers Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, DALL-E, and Midjourney with examples for every major style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to cite ChatGPT?
- Yes. If ChatGPT or any AI tool generated text, ideas, data, code, or images that appear in your work, you must cite it. APA, MLA, and Chicago all publish specific formats for AI-generated content, and undisclosed AI use can be treated as a form of academic dishonesty.
- How do I cite ChatGPT in APA 7th edition?
- APA cites the company as the author: OpenAI. (Year). ChatGPT (Mon. Day version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat. The in-text citation is (OpenAI, Year). Describe or quote the prompt you used in your text or a method note.
- How do I cite ChatGPT in MLA 9th edition?
- MLA places the prompt first: "Text of your prompt" prompt. ChatGPT, [version], OpenAI, Day Month Year, chat.openai.com. MLA does not list the AI as an author because it is treated as a non-human source.
- How do I cite ChatGPT in Chicago style?
- The Chicago Manual of Style (18th ed., section 14.112) cites AI in a footnote or endnote rather than the bibliography: Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, Month Day, Year, chat.openai.com/chat. Include the prompt in the note or your text where helpful.
- Does CitationEasy cite other AI tools like Claude or Gemini?
- Yes. The same principles apply to Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, DALL-E, and Midjourney: name the company as author, identify the tool and version, give the date, and include a URL. See our AI citation guide for tool-by-tool examples.