How to Cite Different Source Types?
When citing academic papers things are usually straightforward, but in some cases the correct citation style can be less clear. For example—how to cite a paper behind a paywall; an article without a clear author; or an answer from AI like ChatGPT? The guides below explain the general rules of correctly citing non-academic and unclear sources.
But as always, refer to your specific citation style guide for exact requirements.
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How to Cite a Newspaper Article
Citing news coverage? Here's how to format newspaper and news article citations for your academic paper.
How to Cite a Supreme Court Case
Citing a court case in your paper? Here's how to reference Supreme Court decisions and legal opinions properly.
How to Cite a Blog
Using a blog post as a source? Here's how to cite blogs and online articles properly in academic writing.
How to Cite a Lecture
Need to cite something your professor said? Here's how to cite lectures, presentations, and class sessions properly.
How to Cite a Dissertation
Citing a thesis or dissertation? Here's how to format citations for both published and unpublished dissertations.
How to Cite a Graph
Using a graph, chart, or figure from another source? Here's how to cite visual data properly in your paper.
How to Cite Art
Citing a painting, sculpture, or artwork in your paper? Here's how to format art citations correctly.
How to Cite a Lab Manual
Need to cite your course lab manual? Here's how to reference lab manuals and course materials in your writing.
How to Cite a Patent
Referencing an invention or patent in your research? Here's how to cite patents correctly across citation styles.
How to Reference a Movie in an Essay or Paper
Citing a film in your paper? Here's how to format movie references correctly in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.
How to Cite a Letter
Citing personal correspondence, published letters, or archival documents? Here's how to format letter citations.
How to Cite a Quote Within a Quote
Quoting someone who's quoting someone else? Here's how to handle nested quotes without confusing your readers.
How to Cite Yourself (Self-Citation)
Referencing your own previous work? Here's how to cite yourself properly—and when it's appropriate to do so.
How to Cite a Report
Citing a research report, government study, or organizational report? Here's how to format it properly.
How to Cite Sources Without an Author
No author listed? You can still cite it properly. Here's how to handle anonymous and authorless sources.
How to Cite Online Videos (YouTube, TikTok, Lectures, Webinars)
Citing a YouTube video or TikTok in your paper? Here's how to format it correctly for academic work.
How to Cite Sources You Can't Fully Access
Stuck behind a paywall? Working from an abstract? Here's how to handle citations for sources you can't read in full.
How to Cite Preprints, Working Papers, and Non-Peer-Reviewed Sources
Preprints and working papers need citations too—but the rules are different. Here's how to do it right.
How to Cite Sources You Found Through AI Tools
Used Wonders, Elicit, or ChatGPT to find papers? Here's what to cite—and what you can skip.
How to Cite AI Tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Others)
When and how to cite ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools in academic papers.