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How to Cite AI Tools

Citing AIgenerated content in APA, MLA, and Chicago Style

Citing AI-Generated Content

📗 How to Cite ChatGPT and Other AI Tools in Chicago Style

Applies to text, images, and summaries generated by tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, Copilot, and Gemini

✅ Short Answer

Cite AI tools whenever you quote, paraphrase, summarize, or use generated content. Chicago offers two styles:

  • Notes and Bibliography (used in the humanities)
  • Author–Date (used in sciences and social sciences)

🖊️ Notes and Bibliography Style

Footnote (first mention):

1. ChatGPT, response to “Explain the symbolism in The Great Gatsby,” OpenAI, July 15, 2025, https://chat.openai.com/.

Bibliography entry:

ChatGPT. Response to “Explain the symbolism in The Great Gatsby.” OpenAI. July 15, 2025. https://chat.openai.com/.

📚 Author–Date Style

In-text citation: (ChatGPT 2025)

Reference list entry:

ChatGPT. 2025. “Explain the symbolism in The Great Gatsby.” OpenAI. July 15, 2025. https://chat.openai.com/.

📝 Optional Disclosure

Consider adding a note to explain your use of AI tools:

I used ChatGPT to help draft portions of this paper. All AI-generated content was reviewed and edited by the author.

📋 Citation Template

Element Example
Prompt “Explain the symbolism in The Great Gatsby”
Tool Name ChatGPT
Developer OpenAI
Date Generated July 15, 2025
URL https://chat.openai.com/

🖼️ Other Tools: DALL·E Example

Footnote:

DALL·E, response to “Image of a panda in space,” OpenAI, June 12, 2025, https://openai.com/dall-e.

Bibliography:

DALL·E. Response to “Image of a panda in space.” OpenAI. June 12, 2025. https://openai.com/dall-e.

⚠️ Best Practices

  • Verify AI output. Don’t cite hallucinated or fabricated information.
  • Use general URLs. Chat links are often private; link to the tool homepage.
  • AI is not a person. Use the name of the tool as the author or title.
  • Include full dates. Chicago prefers specific publication dates when available.