citationgenerator

In-text Citation Generator

Generate the in-text or parenthetical citation in any style. Enter your source once and copy the short form for your sentence, plus the full reference.

Citation style
Source type

Fill the required fields to generate your citation.

No account needed. Your citations stay in your browser and are never uploaded.

How in-text citations work

Each time you use a source in your writing, you place a short in-text citation next to it. The exact form depends on your style: some use a number, some the author and year. The generator above shows the correct in-text citation for your style next to the full reference, so the two always match.

In-text citation FAQ

What is an in-text citation?

An in-text citation is the short pointer you place in the body of your writing, next to the idea or quote you borrowed. It sends readers to the full entry in your reference list.

What is the difference between in-text and parenthetical citation?

A parenthetical citation is one kind of in-text citation, placed in brackets. A narrative citation names the author in the sentence instead. The generator gives the form your style uses.