Like many students, I asked myself, “Do I have to cite it?”
AI tools are everywhere now. They seem helpful. But they can also be risky.
Some students use ChatGPT to cheat. Others, like me, want to use it to learn better. But no one really tells us how to use it the right way.
It’s hard to know where the line is. When does using AI become cheating?
If my teacher says I can use ChatGPT, what should I do? How do I use it properly? How do I give credit to a tool that isn’t human?
In this blog, I’ll show you how to cite ChatGPT. I’ll cover all the popular citation formats. I’ll also explain why it’s important to be honest about using AI.
How to Cite ChatGPT in APA Format
Here are some factors to remember when citing ChatGPT in APA style:
Author
The creator of ChatGPT is OpenAI. So I wrote OpenAI as the author.
Date
I checked the bottom of the screen to find the version date. That date shows which version I used. APA needs this.
Title
I wrote the name ChatGPT and made sure it was in italics. That’s the title.
Description
Right after the title, I added this in square brackets: [Large language model]. It tells the reader what kind of source it is.
URL
I didn’t use the link to my chat. I just used the main site: https://chat.openai.com
In-Text Citations
Whenever I used images from ChatGPT, I wrote it like this: (OpenAI, 2023) at the end of the sentence.
AI-Generated Images
I once asked ChatGPT to help me make an image. I used that image in my paper.
APA says to treat it like a figure. So I gave it a number, a title, and a short caption. Under the image, I wrote something like:
Figure 1. Cityscape made using ChatGPT (7 August 2023). OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com.
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| APA Format | OpenAI. (Year). ChatGPT (Month Day version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com |
| APA Reference | OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Feb 13 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com |
| APA In-Text Citation | (OpenAI, 2023) |
| APA Image Reference | OpenAI. (2023). “A futuristic cityscape image” [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com |
| APA In-Text Citation | (OpenAI, 2023) |
How to Cite ChatGPT in MLA Format
I found out MLA has a few rules for AI tools. Here are some things to consider:
Title of Source
I started by writing my prompt. I kept the exact words and added the word prompt at the end.
Like this: “Explain the concept of the Fermi Paradox prompt.”
I put the whole thing inside quotation marks. That became the title.
Author
I listed ChatGPT as the author. I know MLA doesn’t really treat AI as a proper author, so I made it clear in my work that this content came from an AI tool.
AI Tool
I wrote the name ChatGPT in italics. That’s the name of the tool I used.
Version
I looked for the version at the bottom of the ChatGPT page.
Mine said something like “24 May version” or “4o.” I used that exact version name in my citation.
Publisher
I wrote OpenAI as the publisher because they created ChatGPT.
Date
I added the date when I got the answer. I used this format: Day Month Year. For example, “26 June 2023.”
URL
I didn’t use a link to my specific chat. I just used the main website: chat.openai.com/chat
In-Text Citation
Whenever I used something from ChatGPT in my writing, I added a short in-text citation.
I picked a few words from my prompt, put them in quotation marks, and added them in brackets at the end of the sentence.
Like this: (“Explain the concept”).
No Direct URL to Output
I didn’t copy a direct link to my chat with ChatGPT. MLA style says to use only the main site link, so I followed that.
Long Prompts
One time, I used a really long prompt. It didn’t fit well in the main part of my writing. So, I put the full prompt in an appendix and just mentioned it in my text.
Editing or Translation
Sometimes I ask ChatGPT to fix my grammar or translate a paragraph. When I did that, I explained it in my paper.
I usually added it as a footnote or said it in the methods section.
AI-Generated Images
To use an image made by ChatGPT, the MLA says I should write a caption for it.
So, I followed that rule and gave it a proper caption in my paper.
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| MLA Format | “Text of prompt” prompt. ChatGPT, Day Month version, OpenAI, Day Month Year, chat.openai.com. |
| MLA Reference | “Summary of Hamlet” prompt. ChatGPT, 15 Feb. version, OpenAI, 16 Feb. 2023, chat.openai.com. |
| MLA In-Text Citation | (“Summary of Hamlet”) |
| MLA Image Reference | “A futuristic city with neon lights” prompt. ChatGPT, 7 August version, OpenAI, 7 August 2023, chat.openai.com. |
| MLA Image In-Text Citation | (“A futuristic city”) |
How to Cite ChatGPT in Chicago Format
Here are some things to consider when citing ChatGPT in Chicago format:
Title of Source
I used the same words from my prompt. I wrote them in quotation marks like this: “What is climate change?” That became the title of the source.
Author
I used ChatGPT as the author in my footnote.
Chicago style allows this because it’s the name of the tool that gave the response.
AI Tool
I also made it clear that ChatGPT is an AI. If I needed to explain it more, I added [Large language model] after the title.
Publisher
I wrote OpenAI as the publisher. They are the company that created and runs ChatGPT.
Date
I added the date I got the response. For example: August 5, 2023. I found this by checking when I used ChatGPT.
URL
I didn’t link to my exact chat. Instead, I used the main link: https://chat.openai.com
In-Text Citation
In my writing, I could say something like:
According to ChatGPT, climate change affects weather patterns (ChatGPT, August 5, 2023).
Or I just mentioned it in the sentence:
ChatGPT explained that climate change happens over many years.
Images
I once asked ChatGPT to create an image. I used it in my project.
In the footnote, I wrote:
Image made by ChatGPT, prompt “A robot walking in the rain,” August 7, 2023, https://chat.openai.com.
Below the image, I added a caption like this:
Figure 1. Image created by ChatGPT using the prompt “A robot walking in the rain.” August 7, 2023.
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| Chicago Format |
Footnote (when you first use ChatGPT): ChatGPT, response to “text,” Month Date, Year, https://chat.openai.com. Bibliography (if your teacher asks for it): ChatGPT. Response to “text” OpenAI. Month Date, Year. https://chat.openai.com. |
| Chicago Reference |
Footnote (when you first use ChatGPT): ChatGPT, response to “What is climate change?”, August 5, 2023, https://chat.openai.com. Footnote (if you use ChatGPT again later): 2. ChatGPT. Bibliography (if your teacher asks for it): ChatGPT. Response to “What is climate change?” OpenAI. August 5, 2023. https://chat.openai.com. |
| Chicago In-Text Citation | (ChatGPT, August 5, 2023). |
| Chicago Image Reference |
Footnote (for an image made by ChatGPT): Image created by ChatGPT, prompt “A robot walking in the rain,” August 7, 2023, https://chat.openai.com. Bibliography (if needed): ChatGPT. Image generated from the prompt “A robot walking in the rain.” OpenAI. August 7, 2023. https://chat.openai.com. |
| Chicago Image In-Text Citation |
In the writing: I used an image made by ChatGPT (August 7, 2023). Under the image: Figure 1. Image generated by ChatGPT using the prompt “A robot walking in the rain.” August 7, 2023. |
How to Cite ChatGPT in Harvard Format
Here’s what to keep in mind when citing ChatGPT using the Harvard style:
Title of Source
I use the name of the response I got. If there’s no clear title, I write: ChatGPT response.
Author
I write: OpenAI as the author. ChatGPT doesn’t have a human writer. OpenAI made it.
AI Tool
I say it’s ChatGPT. That’s the name of the tool I used.
Publisher
The publisher is also OpenAI. They made and ran ChatGPT.
Date
I use the date I talked to ChatGPT. I write the full date like this: 8 August 2023.
URL
I copy and paste the ChatGPT link: https://chat.openai.com/
In-Text Citation
In my writing, I add this: (OpenAI, 2023)
If I talk about it more than once, I use the same format each time.
Images
If I use images made by ChatGPT, I reference them like this:
OpenAI (2023) Image created using ChatGPT, 8 August. Available at: https://chat.openai.com/ (Accessed: 8 August 2025).
Page Numbers
ChatGPT doesn’t have page numbers. So I don’t use any.
Version or Model
If needed, I will write the model I used. For example: ChatGPT-4 or GPT-4o.
I can add it in the title like this: ChatGPT (GPT-4o) response to a question.
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| Harvard Format | Developer’s Last name, First name, Developer’s Last name, First name and Developer’s Last name, First name (Year). Name of AI model, Version x.x. Place of publication: Publisher. URL/DOI |
| Harvard Reference | OpenAI (2023). ChatGPT, Version GPT-3.5. San Francisco: OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/chat |
| Harvard In-Text Citation | (OpenAI, 2023) |
| Harvard Image Reference | OpenAI (2023) Image created using ChatGPT, 8 August. Available at: https://chat.openai.com/ (Accessed: 8 August 2025). |
| Harvard Image In-Text Citation | (OpenAI, 2023) |
How to Cite ChatGPT in IEEE Format
I follow these key points when using IEEE style to cite ChatGPT:
Title of Source
I wrote the title based on the answer I got. If there’s no title, I use something like: “ChatGPT response about [topic]”.
Author
I list “OpenAI” as the author because the AI is made by OpenAI.
AI Tool
I wrote “ChatGPT” to show which AI tool I used.
Publisher
I put “OpenAI” again as the publisher since they publish ChatGPT.
Date
I use the date I got the answer. For example: Aug. 8, 2025.
URL
I include the link to ChatGPT’s website: https://chat.openai.com/
In-Text Citation
I place the numbers right after the sentence that uses the source. The number points to the full reference in my reference list.
Images
If I use images generated by ChatGPT, I write a caption saying it was created by ChatGPT and include the date.
I realized I didn’t need to add it to the reference list. Since I made it on my own using the tool, it counted as my own work.
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| IEEE Format | ChatGPT. (Version). Title. OpenAI. Accessed: Month. Date. Year. [Online]. Prompt. Available: https://chat.openai.com |
| IEEE Reference | ChatGPT. (GPT-4). “Basics of Machine Learning.” OpenAI. Accessed: Aug. 8, 2025. [Online]. Prompt: “Explain machine learning in simple terms with examples.” Available: https://chat.openai.com |
| IEEE In-Text Citation |
Numbers after the sentence. For example, photosynthesis is how plants make food. [1] |
| IEEE Image Reference | OpenAI. (2025, Aug 8). Futuristic cityscape at sunset (image generated by ChatGPT) [Image]. ChatGPT. |
| IEEE Image In-Text Citation | Figure 1, an image generated by ChatGPT in response to the prompt ‘a panda holding a flower’… |
How to Cite ChatGPT in Vancouver Format
If I’m citing ChatGPT in Vancouver style, here’s what I do:
Title of Source
I write the title as a brief description of my question or topic.
Author
I list “ChatGPT” as the author because the text comes from this AI model.
AI Tool
I added “ChatGPT” to show the AI tool I used.
Publisher
I write “OpenAI” as the publisher because OpenAI created and hosts ChatGPT.
Date
I added the date when I interacted with ChatGPT to get the information.
URL
I include the URL: https://chat.openai.com to direct readers to the AI platform.
In-Text Citation
In Vancouver format, I use numbers in brackets right after the author’s name or at the end of a sentence.
Examples:
Levitt (2) says that …
This idea is helpful (2).
Image
For images made by ChatGPT, I call them figures in my paper. I give each image a number like “Figure 1.”
Below the image, I write a short description.
Next to the description, I put a number in parentheses or as a small superscript. This number matches the source’s number in my reference list.
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| Vancouver Format | Rightsholder. Application title. Version number, if one exists [software]. [cited YYY Mon DD]. Available from: URL. |
| Vancouver Reference | OpenAI. ChatGPT. Version 3.5 [software]. [cited 2024 Feb 06]. Available from: https://chat.openai.com/ |
| Vancouver In-Text Citation |
Levitt (2) argues that … Levitt 2 argues that … |
| Vancouver Image Reference | ChatGPT. OpenAI. Image generated by ChatGPT using prompt “A futuristic cityscape at sunset”; 2025 Aug 8 [cited 2025 Aug 8]. Available from: https://chat.openai.com |
| Vancouver Image In-Text Citation |
(1) or Figure 1. Image generated by ChatGPT from the prompt “A futuristic cityscape at sunset”. |
How to Cite ChatGPT in CSE Format
Here are some tips I use when citing ChatGPT the right way in CSE format:
Title of Source
I write a brief description like “ChatGPT response to [my question].”
Author
I write “OpenAI” as the author because OpenAI created ChatGPT.
AI Tool
I mentioned “ChatGPT” as the tool I used.
Date
I include the date when I got the response.
Type of Communication
I note it as a personal communication, hence not included in the reference list but cited in-text.
In-Text Citation
I cite it in text like this: (2025 ChatGPT response to prompt from author).
Reference List
Usually, I do not put ChatGPT in the reference list because it is not retrievable content.
If required, I add it as an unpublished source with the date and description.
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| CSE Format | Author. Year. ChatGPT response to prompt from author [personal communication]. Accessed date month year. |
| CSE Reference (Only if requested) | OpenAI. 2025. ChatGPT response to prompt from author [personal communication]. Accessed 8 Aug 2025. |
| CSE In-Text Citation | (OpenAI, ChatGPT, 23 March 2023) |
| CSE Image Reference (if required) | OpenAI. 2025. Image generated by ChatGPT from prompt “A futuristic office space” [personal communication]. Accessed 8 Aug 2025. |
| CSE Image In-Text Citation | Figure 1. Image generated by ChatGPT from prompt “…”. (OpenAI, 2025) |
How to Cite ChatGPT in ACS Format
Before I cite ChatGPT in ACS style, I make sure I know these points.
Title of Source
I write the title as ChatGPT or ChatGPT response to [my question].
Author
I list OpenAI as the author because OpenAI made ChatGPT.
AI Tool
I specified ChatGPT as the AI tool I used.
Publisher
I write OpenAI as the publisher.
Date
I add the date when I accessed or used ChatGPT, for example, 2025-08-08.
URL
I include the URL: https://chat.openai.com
In-Text Citation
I use a number to cite ChatGPT in the text. The number can be a superscript or inside parentheses, matching the reference list number. For example, I write:
ChatGPT explained this clearly.¹
Or ChatGPT explained this clearly (1).
Images
If I use images generated by ChatGPT, I label them as figures in my document. I write a short caption under the image.
Also, I include a reference list entry for the image similar to text citations, with the prompt and date.
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| ACS Format | Source Title. Publisher. URL. (accessed year-month-date) |
| ACS Reference | ChatGPT-4o (AI Chatbot). OpenAI. https://chatgpt.com/ (accessed 2024-08-28) |
| ACS In-Text Citation | (OpenAI, ChatGPT, 3.5, 2023) |
| ACS Image Reference | ChatGPT (AI image generator). OpenAI. Image generated from prompt: “A panda holding a flower.” Accessed 2025-08-08. https://chat.openai.com |
| ACS Image In-Text Citation |
(1) or Figure 1. Image generated by ChatGPT from the prompt “A panda holding a flower.” |
Why It’s Important to be Honest about Using AI?
I stay honest because teachers and readers expect it.
If I use AI and don’t say it, that’s like hiding part of the truth. Even if I change the words, the idea still came from ChatGPT.
Being open shows I respect the rules. It also shows I did some work on my own.
Sometimes AI gives wrong or made-up facts. If I’m honest, people know not to trust everything blindly.
Telling the truth helps others learn how to use AI the right way too. It’s not bad to use tools. It’s only bad if I pretend I didn’t.
That’s why I always say, “Yes, I used ChatGPT — and here’s how.”
Bottom Line
When I had to cite ChatGPT, I realized how tricky it can be when you’re following strict academic rules.
That’s why I put this blog together to save others the time and confusion I went through.
If you’re a student, researcher, or just someone trying to do it right, I hope this guide makes your work a little easier and a lot more accurate.
FAQ
Do I Need to Cite ChatGPT?
Yes, if you use content, ideas, or quotes from ChatGPT in your work, you should cite it. This shows transparency and gives credit, just like you would for any other source used in academic or professional writing.
Can ChatGPT Cite Sources?
ChatGPT can generate citations, but they may not always be accurate or complete. It’s best to double-check all references using reliable citation guides or databases before including them in your paper, especially for academic or research use.
Is ChatGPT a Credible Source?
ChatGPT is not considered a scholarly or primary source. It generates responses based on patterns in training data. While helpful for explanations and drafts, always verify key facts using trusted academic or official sources.
Where Does ChatGPT Get Its Information From?
ChatGPT was trained on a mix of books, websites, and other texts available before 2023. It does not search the web in real time. Its answers come from patterns in data, not from direct access to current sources.
Do I Have to Cite ChatGPT if I Only Used It to Brainstorm?
If you only used ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas and didn’t include direct wording or key concepts in your work, you usually don’t need a formal citation. Still, you can mention it in a note or acknowledgment if needed.
Can I Include a Disclosure Instead of a Citation?
In some cases, yes. If you used ChatGPT for editing, brainstorming, or support, a short note in your introduction, methodology, or footnote may be enough. But for direct content or quotes, a proper citation is still expected.
