Citation Formatter
APA, MLA, Chicago.
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About Citation Formatter
The Citation Formatter turns a few basic source details into ready-to-use citations. Pick a source type (website, book, or journal article), enter the author, title, year, publisher or site name, URL, and access date, and it instantly generates matching APA, MLA, and Chicago references. Each style appears in its own block with a one-click Copy button.
It is completely free with no sign-up, no limits, and no ads getting in the way. Everything runs entirely in your browser, so the details you type are never uploaded to a server. Paste your finished citation straight into an essay, report, or bibliography.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Citation Formatter free to use?
- Yes, it is completely free with no account, no sign-up, and no usage limits. You can format as many citations as you like.
- Is my data uploaded or stored anywhere?
- No. The tool runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Nothing you type is sent to a server, saved, or shared, so your source details stay private on your device.
- Which citation styles does it support?
- It generates three styles at once: APA (7th edition), MLA (9th edition), and Chicago (17th edition). You can copy whichever one you need with a single click.
- What source types can I cite?
- You can cite a website, a book, or a journal article. The tool adjusts the fields and formatting rules automatically for the type you select.
- How do I enter multiple authors?
- Separate each author with a semicolon (;). You can write names as "Last, First" or "First Last", and the tool applies the correct order, initials, and "et al." or ampersand rules for each style.
- Why are some parts not in italics?
- Plain text can't show italics, so the tool leaves titles and journal or website names unformatted. Once you paste a citation into your document, italicize book titles, journal names, and website names as your style guide requires.
- Should I double-check the generated citations?
- Yes. The formatter applies standard rules for common sources, but citation styles have many edge cases. Always verify the result against your instructor's or publisher's specific guidelines before submitting.