How to Cite AI in Academic Papers (APA, MLA, Chicago)
Citation formats for AI are newer than most students realise. The major style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago) only added formal AI citation guidance in 2023 and 2024, and they’ve already revised it as the technology and usage patterns have evolved. This means a lot of the information floating around online is outdated.
This guide covers the current formats as of 2026, with real examples you can adapt. Always check with your institution’s specific guidance too, since many universities have added their own requirements on top of the style guides.
Why Citing AI Matters
Academic citation exists to give credit to sources, allow readers to trace your reasoning, and be transparent about where your ideas came from. AI use raises similar transparency questions. If AI helped you write, structure, or develop ideas in your work, your reader and your marker deserve to know that.
Beyond the transparency argument, most institutions now explicitly require disclosure of AI use. Failing to disclose when required is academic misconduct regardless of whether the AI use itself was permitted.
APA Format (7th Edition)
The American Psychological Association updated its guidance in 2023. The current approach treats AI-generated text similarly to personal communications, since the content cannot be retrieved by a reader.
In-text citation: (OpenAI, 2026)
Reference list entry:
OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT (May 2026 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
For a specific conversation, APA recommends including a description of your prompt in the text of your paper and noting that the full conversation is available on request (since ChatGPT conversations are not publicly accessible by default).
MLA Format (9th Edition)
The Modern Language Association takes a similar approach. It recommends citing the AI tool as the author and describing the prompt used.
Works Cited entry:
“Explain the causes of the First World War in simple terms.” ChatGPT, 13 Mar. 2026, chat.openai.com/chat.
In-text: (“Explain the causes”)
MLA also recommends either including a transcript of the relevant AI interaction as an appendix or being prepared to provide it if asked.
Chicago Format (17th Edition)
Chicago style (both notes-bibliography and author-date) treats AI similarly. The footnote or endnote approach:
OpenAI, ChatGPT, response to prompt “Summarise the key arguments in feminist economics,” March 13, 2026, https://chat.openai.com.
Bibliography entry:
OpenAI. ChatGPT. “Summarise the key arguments in feminist economics.” March 13, 2026. https://chat.openai.com.
How to Cite Other AI Tools
The same principles apply to other AI tools. Use the company name as the author (Google for Gemini, Anthropic for Claude, Microsoft for Copilot), the tool name as the title, and include the date of your interaction and the URL where possible.
Gemini example (APA): Google. (2026). Gemini [Large language model]. https://gemini.google.com
What Your Institution Might Require in Addition
Many universities require more than just a citation. Common additional requirements include: a statement at the start or end of your work describing how you used AI, a copy of the AI conversation as an appendix, a declaration that you take responsibility for verifying the accuracy of any AI-generated content, and confirmation that the ideas and analysis are your own even where AI assisted with expression or research.
Check your institution’s current policy rather than relying only on style guide guidance. If your department hasn’t published specific guidance, ask your lecturer directly.
For the full student AI guide: AI for Students: The Complete Guide to Studying Smarter in 2026.
