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How to cite ChatGPT
Style guides now publish guidance for generative AI. APA treats the company as the author of the model; MLA describes the prompt instead of naming an author; Chicago prefers a note over a bibliography entry. Always check whether your instructor allows AI sources at all.
Examples in each style
OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT (GPT-6 version) [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com
Parenthetical: (OpenAI, 2026)
Narrative: OpenAI (2026)
“Explain the main causes of the French Revolution” prompt. ChatGPT, GPT-6, OpenAI, 20 Sept. 2026, chatgpt.com.
Parenthetical: (“Explain the main causes”)
OpenAI. ChatGPT. GPT-6. Response to “Explain the main causes of the French Revolution,” September 20, 2026. https://chatgpt.com.
Full note: 1. Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, September 20, 2026, https://chatgpt.com.
Short note: 2. ChatGPT.
OpenAI (2026) ChatGPT (GPT-6) [Large language model]. Available at: https://chatgpt.com.
Citation: (OpenAI, 2026)
Narrative: OpenAI (2026)
What to watch out for
- APA (APA Style blog, 2023): author = OpenAI, year of the model version, title ChatGPT in italics, then (version) and [Large language model].
- MLA (MLA Style Center, 2023): start with a description of the prompt in quotation marks, then ChatGPT as the container, version, OpenAI and the date you generated it.
- Chicago (Chicago Manual of Style Online Q&A): cite in a footnote only; a bibliography entry is needed only if there is a publicly shareable link.
- Quote the prompt and the relevant part of the answer in your text or an appendix — readers can’t retrieve your conversation.
OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT (GPT-6 version) [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com
In-text citation
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Questions students ask
Is ChatGPT a credible source?
Usually not for facts: its answers can be wrong and cannot be retrieved by your reader. Use it to cite what the AI said (for example, when analysing AI output), and cite the original sources for facts.
Which date do I use?
APA uses the year of the model version you used. MLA and Chicago use the date the response was generated.
Does the same format work for Claude, Gemini or Copilot?
Yes. Replace the model name, version and company (for example Anthropic, Google or Microsoft).