What is the Citation Generator?
The Citation Generator is an academic tool that automatically formats citations for various sources, such as websites, books, and journal articles. Users input the source details, select a style (APA, MLA, or Chicago), and the tool generates a correctly formatted citation ready to be copied into a bibliography or reference list.
History of this Feature
Manually creating citations in specific academic styles has long been a tedious and error-prone task for students and researchers. The rise of digital tools led to the creation of citation generators to automate this process. Our Citation Generator was built to provide a free, fast, and accessible solution without requiring a subscription or software installation. It focuses on the most common citation styles to cover the needs of the majority of academic users.
Who Commonly Uses This Feature?
This tool is indispensable for high school and university students, academic researchers, writers, and anyone who needs to properly credit their sources in a paper, article, or presentation. It saves time and helps ensure accuracy, reducing the risk of accidental plagiarism due to incorrect formatting.
How to Use the Citation Generator
- Select Source & Style: Choose your "Source Type" (Website, Book, or Journal) and your desired "Citation Style."
- Fill in the Details: Enter the required information, such as the Author(s), Title, and Publication Year.
- Add Specifics: Complete the fields specific to your source type (e.g., the URL for a website or the Publisher for a book).
- Generate: Click the "Generate Citation" button.
- Copy Your Citation: Your formatted citation will appear in the box on the right. Click the copy icon to copy it to your clipboard.
Tip: Always double-check your generated citation against your instructor's or publication's style guide.