APA 7 Citation Generator
Generate accurate APA 7th edition citations for your research papers. Automatically extract metadata from websites, DOIs, and ISBNs.
Tip: Copy and paste your source information from your document, or enter it manually following the format shown above.
Multiple Styles
Generate citations in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and more popular citation formats.
Accurate Citations
Format citations according to official style guide specifications.
Fast & Easy
Simply paste or type your source information and generate properly formatted citations.
APA 7th Edition In-Text Citation Guide
What Are In-Text Citations?
In-text citations (also called parenthetical citations) acknowledge the sources you reference in your paper. They appear within the body of your text and provide just enough information for readers to locate the full citation in your reference list. In-text citations demonstrate academic honesty and help readers verify your sources.
You must include an in-text citation whenever you:
- Quote directly: Use exact words from a source (requires quotation marks)
- Paraphrase: Express someone else's ideas in your own words
- Summarize: Condense another author's work
- Reference data or statistics: Cite specific numbers or findings
Basic APA 7 In-Text Citation Format
(Author, Year)
Use this format when paraphrasing or summarizing
(Author, Year, p. Page#)
Use this format when directly quoting with page numbers
Common Citation Scenarios
One Author
Paraphrase:
Recent research shows that social media affects mental health (Johnson, 2023).
Direct Quote:
As Johnson stated, "social media has a profound impact on adolescent development" (2023, p. 45).
Two Authors
Use "&" between names:
Studies indicate increased engagement with digital learning (Smith & Jones, 2024).
Three or More Authors
Use "et al." after first author:
The research demonstrates significant findings (Williams et al., 2023).
Note: "et al." means "and others" in Latin
No Author (Organization or Website)
Use organization name or title:
Climate change poses significant risks (National Geographic, 2024).
Or use abbreviated title: ("Climate Change," 2024)
No Publication Date
Use "n.d." for no date:
The website provides helpful resources (Khan Academy, n.d.).
Website Quote (No Page Numbers)
Use paragraph number or section heading:
The site explains that "citations demonstrate academic integrity" (Academic Writing Guide, 2024, para. 3).
Or: (Academic Writing Guide, 2024, Introduction section)
Multiple Sources in One Citation
Separate with semicolons:
Multiple studies confirm this finding (Brown, 2022; Davis, 2023; Miller, 2024).
Citation Placement Rules
- ✓Place citations close to the information: Put the citation right after the borrowed idea or quote
- ✓Before the period: The citation comes before the sentence's ending punctuation
- ✓Block quotes exception: For quotes 40+ words, place citation after the final punctuation
✓ Correct:
Technology improves learning outcomes (Smith, 2024).
✗ Incorrect:
Technology improves learning outcomes. (Smith, 2024)
Connection to Reference List
Every in-text citation must have a corresponding entry in your reference list at the end of your paper. The reference list provides complete publication information so readers can locate your sources.
Example Connection:
In your text:
Research shows citation skills improve with practice (Martinez, 2023).
In your reference list:
Martinez, A. (2023). Academic writing essentials. University Press.
Quick Tips for APA 7 In-Text Citations
- 💡Always cite when using someone else's ideas, even when paraphrasing
- 💡Use the author's last name only (no first names or initials in in-text citations)
- 💡Include page numbers for direct quotes whenever possible
- 💡Use "n.d." only when no publication date is available
- 💡When in doubt, cite! It's better to over-cite than to plagiarize
Citation Style Examples
APA Style (7th Edition)
Smith, J. (2024). The impact of technology on education. Journal of Educational Research, 15(3), 123-145.
In-text: (Smith, 2024) or (Smith, 2024, p. 130)
MLA Style (9th Edition)
Smith, John. "The Impact of Technology on Education." Journal of Educational Research, vol. 15, no. 3, 2024, pp. 123-145.
In-text: (Smith) or (Smith 130)
Chicago Style
Smith, John. "The Impact of Technology on Education." Journal of Educational Research 15, no. 3 (2024): 123-145.
In-text: (Smith 2024, 130)
FAQs
How do I use this citation generator?
Select your citation style and source type, then enter or paste your source information in the text box. The placeholder text shows the recommended format. Click "Generate Citation" to create your formatted citation.
What citation styles are supported?
We support APA 6, APA 7, MLA 8, MLA 9, Chicago, Harvard, and AMA citation styles. Each style has specific formatting rules that are applied to your citations.
Can I cite different types of sources?
Yes! You can cite websites, books, journal articles, videos, blog posts, magazines, and newspapers. Select your source type to see the appropriate format.
What's the difference between APA 6 and APA 7?
APA 7 is the latest edition with simplified formatting rules, updated guidelines for citing online sources, and new citation types. For most academic work, use APA 7 unless specifically instructed otherwise.