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MLA Citation Guide (MLA 9th Edition): Generative AI

Discover the ins and outs of MLA citation

Policies related to the use of AI-generated text and images may vary by instructor. AI can be used in your work in many ways such as generating images, formatting papers, and as a textual source. When using AI-generated content as a source that you are quoting, paraphrasing, or otherwise incorporating, cite the source.

When using generative AI tools in your process (e.g., brainstorming, outlining, proofreading, etc.), do not cite but do acknowledge your use somewhere in your text or in a footnote (check with your instructor for their guidelines).

MLA does not consider AI-generated work to have an author.  As AI becomes increasingly common, MLA policies may be subject to change. Examples of correct citations are provided on this page.

AI-Generated Text

Format

"Description of prompt" prompt. Name of AI tool, version of AI tool, Company, date text was generated. URL.

Example

"Identify the themes in Mcteague by Frank Norris" prompt. ChatGPT, 21 November version, OpenAI, 4 Dec. 2023. https://chat.openai.com/share/2f2be19d-eadd-4151-8ceb-0785319074b3.

 Note:

  • Some AI-tools will allow you to create a link to a specific chat conversation. If this option is available, use the link to the chat conversation as the URL. If you are unable to create a link to a specific chat conversation, link the general URL of the tool used. 
  • To find the version of Chatgpt, select the help button and navigate to the page titled "Release notes". The most recent entry on the page will be the most current version of Chatgpt. 

AI-Generated Images

Format

Fig. No. "Description of prompt" prompt. Name of AI tool, version of AI tool, Company, date text was generated. URL.

Example

Fig. 2. "Create impressionist painting of a cat using neutral colors" prompt. DALL-E, version 2, OpenAI, 27 Nov. 2023. https://labs.openai.com/

 Note:

AI-generated images should be labeled as Fig. and given a number that corresponds with when it appears in your paper. 

In Text Citations

In Text Format

("Shortened Description of Prompt")

In Text Example

("Identify the themes in Mcteague")