Question 1

How can I generate an APA or MLA citation instantly?

Accepted Answer

Pick APA or MLA, enter the source details or paste a URL, and the ZaxisMedia Citation Generator instantly builds a correctly formatted citation you can copy into your bibliography.

Question 2

What is the difference between APA and MLA citations?

Accepted Answer

APA (American Psychological Association) is common in social sciences and puts the year right after the author name, because recency matters. MLA (Modern Language Association) is common in humanities and puts the page number in in-text citations instead. This generator formats the same source details correctly for both styles.

Question 3

How do I cite a source with multiple authors in APA 7?

Accepted Answer

In the reference list, APA 7 lists up to 20 authors. Two authors are joined with an ampersand before the last name. For three or more authors, separate names with commas and put an ampersand before the last one. In text, use "et al." when there are three or more authors.

Question 4

How do I cite a source with no author?

Accepted Answer

In APA, move the title to the author position and keep the rest of the reference the same. In MLA, start the Works Cited entry with the title as well. This tool handles it automatically when you leave the author field empty.

Question 5

Do I need a DOI or a URL in my citation?

Accepted Answer

APA 7 prefers a DOI whenever one exists; use the URL only when there is no DOI. MLA 9 asks for a DOI first, then a URL without the https:// prefix. Enter whichever you have and the generator places it correctly for the style you picked.

Question 6

Should my reference list be double spaced with hanging indents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both APA and MLA reference lists are double spaced, and every entry after the first line is indented by half an inch (a hanging indent). When you paste the generated citation into Word or Google Docs, apply the hanging indent paragraph setting to match the style guide.

Citation Generator (APA & MLA)

Use Citation Generator (APA & MLA)

How to use the Citation Generator (APA & MLA)

Enter source details

Pick your style

Copy the citation

About the Citation Generator (APA & MLA)

Where it helps most

Cite websites

Cite books and journals

Write term papers

Learn the patterns

Getting the details right

Hanging indents included

Case and italics

Current editions