Guides: Computer Science & Software Engineering: Citing AI

Citing AI

Make sure to follow the AI use policy for your class/program/college or wherever you are submitting your writing.

ALWAYS fact-check information generated by AI and read the original sources cited by AI.

Cite AI tools when using them to:

Check to see if the developer of the AI tool has standards for use and attribution.

APA Style (How to cite ChatGPT)
The APA Style Blog suggests that you describe how you used an AI tool in the introduction or method section of your paper. In the text, include the prompt and the relevant text that was generated.

For your references, the APA Style Blog suggests adapting the reference template for software.

You will need:
-the company that created the model (author).
-the year the model was released (date).
-the name of the model (title), the version, and a brief description [Large language model]
-the URL

Last updated Feb. 23, 2024
Chicago Style: Citation, Documentation of Sources
You can acknowledge the AI tool in your text OR include a numbered footnote or endnote.

You will need:
-the prompt
-the model (author)
-the company that developed the model (publisher)
-the date
-any editing you have done

Do not cite AI in a bibliography or reference list unless you can include a publicly available link that recreates the content.
MLA style How do I cite generative AI In MLA style
MLA suggests that you cite an AI tool when you use any content that was created by it in your work. You should acknowledge how the tool was used in your text or a note. Do not cite the AI tool as an author.

You will need:
-Description of what was generated (Title of Source)
-the AI tool (Title of Container)
-the version of the tool (Version)
-the company that developed the AI tool (Publisher)
-the date content was generated (Date)
-the URL

U.S. Copyright Office Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Includes a Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence and Copyright Registration Guidance for Works containing AI-Generated Materials.