how to cite sources in powerpoint presentation apa

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APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

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Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Media File: APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

This resource is enhanced by a PowerPoint file. If you have a Microsoft Account, you can view this file with   PowerPoint Online .

Select the APA PowerPoint Presentation link above to download slides that provide a detailed review of the APA citation style.

APA Formatting and Style (7th ed.)

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Formatting a Powerpoint Presentation in APA 7th Style

The apa 7th manual and the apa website do not provide any specific rules about using apa format or citation in powerpoint slides. , here are some recommended guidelines:, 1. always follow any specific instructions given by your instructor., 2. you will need in-text citations on a powerpoint slide where you are quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing someone else's ideas. , 3. you also will include a reference list as your powerpoint's last slide (or slides). , this youtube video from smart student shows you how to create apa7th in-text citations and a reference list: .

• Citing and Referencing in Powerpoint Presentations | APA 7th Edition This video will show you how to create APA 7th in-text citations and a Reference page for your PowerPoint presentation.
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APA Citation Guide (7th edition) : Powerpoint Presentations

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Powerpoint presentations - what do i need to cite, powerpoint presentations - where do my citations go, other digital assignments - where do my citations go, quick rules for an apa reference list.

Your research paper ends with a list of all the sources cited in the text of the paper. Here are nine quick rules for this Reference list.

• Start a new page for your Reference list. Centre the title, References, at the top of the page.
• Double-space the list.
• Start the first line of each reference at the left margin; indent each subsequent line five spaces (a hanging indent).
• Put your list in alphabetical order. Alphabetize the list by the first word in the reference. In most cases, the first word will be the author’s last name. Where the author is unknown, alphabetize by the first word in the title, ignoring the words a, an, the.
• For each author, give the last name followed by a comma and the first (and middle, if listed) initials followed by periods.
• Italicize the titles of these works: books, audiovisual material, internet documents and newspapers, and the title and volume number of journals and magazines.
• Do not italicize titles of most parts of works, such as: articles from newspapers, magazines, or journals / essays, poems, short stories or chapter titles from a book / chapters or sections of an Internet document.
• In titles of non-periodicals (books, videotapes, websites, reports, poems, essays, chapters, etc), capitalize only the first letter of the first word of a title and subtitle, and all proper nouns (names of people, places, organizations, nationalities).
• If a web source (not from the library) is not a stable archived version, or you are unsure whether it is stable, include a statement of the accessed date before the link.

What am I legally required to cite in my digital assignment?

According to the Copyright Act, you must cite the sources (images, videos, books, websites, etc.) that you used in your digital assignment ( 29.21(1)(b) ). You must cite the source (where you got the information from) and the creator of the content (if available). You must also make sure that any copyrighted materials you used in your assignment meet the conditions set out in section  29.21  of the Copyright Act. For a list of conditions and more information, please visit:  http://studentcopyright.wordpress.com/mashups/

What citation style do I use for the sources in my digital assignment?

There is no one required citation style, so please defer to your instructor's directions and citation style preference.

List your sources in a slide at the end of the Powerpoint presentation, with footnotes throughout your presentation as applicable.

You could also provide a print copy of the sources you used to those attending your presentation.

Seneca Libraries has the following recommendations for how to organize your list of sources for digital assignments. Please check with your instructor first:

Videos you create: 

List your sources in a credits screen at the end of the video.

Websites you create:

• For images, include a citation under each image using this format “From: XXXX” and then make the image a link back to the original image ( example  - picture of little girl). Or list the citation at the bottom of the web page.
• For quotes or material from other sources, include an in-text citation that links back to the original material ( example  – second paragraph).

Images you create: 

If possible list your sources at the bottom or side of the image ( example ). Otherwise, include a list of citations alongside the image wherever it’s uploaded (e.g. Flickr, Blackboard).

**Please note that the above are recommendations only and your instructor may have a preference and directions for how and where you list your sources for your assignment.**

If you don't receive specific instructions from your instructor, try to include your citations in a way that doesn't impact the design of your digital assignment.

For more information please contact Seneca Libraries copyright team at  [email protected]

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Home / Guides / Citation Guides / How to Cite Sources / How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA, MLA or Chicago

How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA, MLA or Chicago

Let’s be honest: Sometimes the best information for a paper comes straight from a professor’s PowerPoint presentation. But did you know that source needs to be cited?

Whether you’re making use of your instructor’s lecture materials or pulling information from a Powerpoint found online, you need to make sure to cite your sources if you use information from it in a project or paper.

Here’s a run -t hrough of everything this page includes:  

• Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in MLA format
• Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA format
• Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in Chicago Style

By now, you’re probably familiar with how to cite websites, books or journal articles, but not as knowledgeable about how to cite a Powerpoint presentation. In actuality, citing PowerPoint presentations aren’t all that different from citing written materials, so don’t let yourself be phased! It’s not too hard and compiling an MLA works cited or APA reference page doesn’t take too long—each one should take just a few minutes to create.

To help you with the process, we’ve put together a handy guide demonstrating how to cite a PowerPoint presentation in three commonly used citation styles: MLA, APA and Chicago.

Let’s start by looking for basic information you’ll need for the citation.

Information you may need to cite a PowerPoint Presentation:

• Author or authors of the presentation
• Presentation title
• Date of publication/presentation
• Place of publication/where the presentation was given
• URL (if used to locate the presentation)

Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in MLA format:

MLA format citation structure:

Author Last Name, First Name. Presentation Title. Month Year, URL. PowerPoint Presentation.

Example citation :

Park, Lisa. Effective Working Teams . Jan. 2011, https://www.company.meetings/teams. PowerPoint Presentation.

In-text citation structure:

(Last Name)

Example in-text citation:

Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA format:  

APA reference structure:

Author or Presenter Last Name, Middle Initial. First Initial. (Date of publication). Title of presentation [PowerPoint presentation]. Conference Name, Location. URL

Example reference:

Park, L. (2011, March 24-28). Effective working teams [PowerPoint presentation]. Regional Dairy Workers National Conference, New York, NY, United States. https://www.company.meetings/teams

Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in Chicago Style:

Chicago citation structure:

Author Last Name, First Name. “Presentation Title.” Lecture, Location of Lecture, Month Day, Year.

Example citation:

Park, Lisa. “Effective Working Teams.” Lecture, The Plaza Hotel, New York, NY, January 11, 2011.

Troubleshooting

Solution #1: how to cite a powerpoint that has multiple authors..

For a presentation with multiple authors, list the authors alphabetically by last name for the full reference citation. The citation will list each author by Last Name, First Initial.

If the PowerPoint has just two authors, separate them with a comma and an ampersand (&). If the PowerPoint has more than two authors, list the authors separated by commas.

Reference examples:

Felner, D., & Nguy, A. (2021 April 10-12). The history of Claymation [Slideshow]. Animation Now, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

Felner, D., Nguy, A., Becham, G. (2021 April 10-12). The history of Claymation [Slideshow]. Animation Now, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

For an in-text citation for two authors, give both surnames separated by an ampersand (&) followed by a comma and the year of publication or presentation.

For an in-text citation for three or more authors, list the first author’s surname followed by “et al.” followed by a comma and the year of publication or presentation.

In-text citation examples:

(Felner & Nguy, 2021)

(Felner et al., 2021)

For a PowerPoint with two presenters or authors, include both names in the full works-cited citation. The names need to be written as follows: First presenter’s Last Name, First Name, and then the second presenter’s First Name and Last Name.

For an in-text citation, simply list the surnames of both presenters.

In-text citation example:

(Nguy and Felner)

Work-cited entry example:

Nguy, Anna and Dominic Felner. The History of Claymation. Apr. 2021. PowerPoint Presentation.

For a PowerPoint with three or more presenters, only list one presenter’s name followed by a comma and “et al.”

For an in-text citation for three or more authors or presenters , list the surname given in the full works-cited citation followed by “et al.”

(Nguy et al.)

Nguy, Anna et al. The History of Claymation. Apr. 2021. PowerPoint Presentation.

Solution #2 How to cite a slideshow that wasn’t made with PowerPoint

If making a full works-cited citation for a slideshow that was made with another program other than PowerPoint, include the medium in brackets instead of PowerPoint.

If the presentation is not in PowerPoint, and you can’t determine what software was used, include the word “slideshow” in brackets in place of PowerPoint.

Nguy, A. (2021 April 10-12). The history of Claymation [Prezi presentation]. Animation Now, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

Nguy, A. (2021 April 10-12). The history of Claymation [Slideshow]. Animation Now, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

The in-text citation will be formatted like any other APA in-text citation (author last name, year).

(Nguy, 2021)

At the end of your full works-cited citation, include the program the slideshow was made with, formatted as:  ______ Presentation.

If you are uncertain of the program used, end your citation with “slideshow” followed by a period. Nguy, Anna. The history of Claymation. Apr. 2021. Prezi Presentation. Nguy, Anna. The history of Claymation . Apr. 2021. Slideshow.

The in-text citation will be formatted like any other MLA in-text citation (author last name).

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Updated April 26, 2021.

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To cite PowerPoint presentation slides, include the author name, year/date of presentation, the title, the source description, the website and/or university name, and the URL where the source can be found.

If the PowerPoint presentation is not accessible to the reader, cite the slides as personal communication.

If you want to cite a PowerPoint in MLA or APA style, you need to have basic information including the name of the author(s), title of the presentation, date and place of publication, and URL. For in-text citations, you need to include only the author name(s) in MLA style and author name(s) and year in APA style.  

APA in-text citations

(Author Surname, publication year)

(Dhanalakshmi, 2004)

MLA in-text citations

(Author Surname)

(Dhanalakshmi)

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How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA 7?

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💡 Before we show you how to cite a PowerPoint in APA, we would like to tell you that all examples and explanations are about APA 7th edition .

In your PowerPoint presentation, you’re going to use a combination of texts and images to present information. You’ll need to cite the sources for these documents and media so your audience knows where to find out more about the topic.

This way, you will both adhere to the rules of using copyrighted information and show that your knowledge on the topic is well researched and you have spent time finding the resources.

What we will discuss in this article is the APA standard and how to make a proper PowerPoint citation in APA standard. Let’s dig deep.

Article Overview: 1. What is Apa? 2. Why do people use APA as a standard? 3. How to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA? 4. How to Cite a Picture in PowerPoint?

1. What is APA?

APA is one of the most popular and widely used styles for writing research papers. This style of writing citations and citing sources is used in most social sciences – mainly psychology, sociology, and education. The acronym comes from A merican P sychological A ssociation. You can check APA’s website for more information .

2. Why do people use APA as a standard?

Before we tell you how to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA style, we need to clarify the main reason why people use this style. As the most common standard, it is widely accepted around the world, and the manuals have been sold millions of times.

What makes the APA citation style so popular among educational institutions is that it gives “weight” to the documents that are being examined. Adding the sources and using the right way to present the sources could greatly influence the credibility of any thesis or PowerPoint presentation.

3. How to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA?

There aren’t one or two ways to cite a Powerpoint presentation in APA. Why? Because there are different conditions that can affect the accessibility of the original source. Let’s see some of the most common occasions in citing PowerPoint presentations in APA style.

3.1. Citing a PowerPoint in APA – Accessible Documents

This is probably the best-case scenario for citations, as your readers will have access to the information, thus they can easily find the original source. Bear in mind you should not include PowerPoint presentations in the reference list if your audience cannot access them.

3.1.1. Citing in PowerPoint from public sites

When you have the source and it is an available webpage, you will have to link directly to the original source.

N.B.  You should always  cite the original source. If you have found a piece of statistics somewhere – let’s say a WeForum article , it is not the original source, thus you cannot refer to information that has not been published by the author.

3.1.2. Citing PowerPoints on password-protected portals

When it comes to citing from a university or other password-protected website, you should refer to the login page, as a direct link will lead to it. Let’s see an example I’ve made up myself.

N.B.  Sometimes, there is no author mentioned. In such cases, we proceed in two ways:

• If there is no author, but an organization that is behind the source:

What we have done is we have replaced the author’s name with the name of the organization that has published the report.

• If there is an unknown author.

In case there’s an unknown author, we replace their name with the title.

3.2. Citing a PowerPoint in APA – Inaccessible Documents

In case your PowerPoint slide is inaccessible to readers, then you have the option to cite the source as personal communication. Let’s see how this happens.

During the presentation, Peterson made a prediction that low-fare airlines will become dominant by 2030 (personal communication, June 3, 2022).

You can add personal communication citations in parentheses somewhere in the text but not in the reference list, as the original source cannot be directly tracked.

3.3. Citing a PowerPoint Slide

Sometimes, a slide during a presentation makes a great impression and you want to add it to your sources. When this happens, it’s better to cite the original source, rather than the PowerPoint slide itself, because of the requirements we discussed in 3.1.1.

4. How to Cite a Picture in PowerPoint?

If you want to learn how to cite a picture in PowerPoint in APA format, then you should apply some different techniques. What you need to do first is to have a very detailed look at the terms and conditions of the original image. Some images require attribution while others don’t.

Once you insert the image, you need to then create a new text box, align it at the center and write the following:

Figure 1. Image Description. Adapted from SOURCE . Retrieved from  SOURCE LINK.  Copyright by  COMPANY NAME COPYRIGHTS  (located at the bottom).

Let’s see how it’s done in practice.

Figure 1. Carbon Footprint and Renewable Energy. Adapted from GraphicMama. Retrieved from https://graphicmama.com/design-bundle/infographic-template-collection#flat-tree-vector-ecology-infographic-template. Copyright by © 2022 GraphicMama.com

Learning how to cite a PowerPoint presentation correctly is crucial if you are submitting your thesis or working on a serious project. The APA style has specific rules that should be followed for your presentations or paper dissertations to look formatted and credible.

If you found our content useful, why don’t you check some of our other tutorials related to PowerPoint and presentations in general:

• 10 Practical Tips to Grab Attention and Make an Impact in Your PowerPoint Presentation
• How to Add Audio to PowerPoint: The Quick Step-by-Step Guide

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Nikolay Kaloyanov

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How to Cite PowerPoint Presentations in APA & MLA Formats

Whether you're a student or teacher, you rely on sources to do your research. You probably already know that it's important to also cite your sources. But you might not know how to cite certain types of sources, for example, PowerPoint presentations.

There are more types of resources available to students than ever before and the proper way to cite those resources isn't always clear. For example, with SlideShare (link to our tutorial) you've got access to hundreds of PowerPoint presentations. 

If you're wondering "how do you cite a PowerPoint" when you use one of those presentations in a paper, this tutorial is for you. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to cite a PowerPoint in APA format. We'll also cover citing a PowerPoint in MLA format. Once you've discovered how to properly cite presentations, we'll share some additional presentation resources in case you've got to create your own presentation.

How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation Properly 

When you're writing an academic paper, you typically need to cite your sources at the end in a bibliography. You may also need to cite a source in the body of your paper. Let's take a closer look at how two of the most common style guides handle citing PowerPoint presentations.

Note :  If you're using the PowerPoint presentation for an academic assignment, be sure to check your own school's style guidelines to determine which format they require. You may also find that your school has additional requirements for citations .

How to Cite a Presentation in APA Format

APA format provides guidelines for consistently writing in a clear format. It includes standards for citing references in PowerPoint presentations as well as standards for citing images in PowerPoint, citing tables or figures, and citing many other types of information.  Although it was originally created for written documents, the citation guidelines have been expanded to take into consideration websites and other digital publications.

If your lesson requires you to use APA format to cite your sources and you're using a PowerPoint presentation as a source, you'll be expected to treat the PowerPoint presentation very much like you would another source with a few differences. Start with the author's last name and first initial. Add the middle initial if given. This is followed by the year the presentation was published and the title of the presentation.

The two differences between citing a PowerPoint presentation in APA format and another work is that you'll put the phrase " PowerPoint slides " in brackets after the title of the presentations followed by the phrase " Retrieved from " and the URL where you found the presentation.

Here's an example of a properly formatted PowerPoint citation for a bibliography in APA format ( based on a fictitious source ):

Perez, J. (February 2018). How to Design Graphics That Sell With Examples  [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved August 1, 2018, from https://anytownconsulting.com/ppt/graphics-sell.html

For a citation in the body of the paper use the author's last name and the date the speech was published:

(Perez, 2018)

If you've got other types of sources you need to cite in APA Style or if you've got questions about APA style, you can find answers on the  APA Style site .

How to Cite a Presentation in MLA Format

Another popular format required by many educational institutions is the MLA format. This style guide is from the Modern Language Association, which is a scholarly association that supports the study of languages and literature. MLA format is commonly used for assignments in the Humanities or Liberal Arts academic areas.

If you're required to use MLA format to cite your sources and one of those sources is a PowerPoint presentation, the format is very similar to the APA format for citing a PowerPoint source with a few important differences. Start with the author's last name, first name and middle name (if given). That's followed by the title of the presentation and the year it was published. If you've got the tile of the website where the presentation is published, list that. Next comes the URL where you found the PowerPoint presentation. If you're referencing a specific slide in the presentation list that slide number.

Here's an example of a properly formatted PowerPoint citation in MLA format (based on a fictitious source):

Perez, Juan. "How to Design Graphics That Sell With Examples."  AnyTown Consulting Website, Jan. 2018,  http://anytownconsulting.com/ppt/graphics-sell.html. Slide 10.

If you're citing a slideshow you attended in person as a source, provide the date and location of the presentation. If the presentation is part of a course, include the name of the course as well:

Perez, Juan. "How to Design Graphics That Sell With Examples." Web Design 101: Introduction to Web Design, April 10, 2018, Anytown Community College. Slide 10.

If you've got other types of sources you need to cite in APA Style or if you've got questions about MLA style, you can find answers on the MLA Style site . You can learn more about the Modern Language Association their site.

Helpful Presentation Templates for Students and Educators

Whether you're a student, college professor, or primary school teacher (or other type of educational professional) — your job probably involves giving a lot of presentations. If you're looking for a presentation PowerPoint template you should consider getting a premium template. Premium templates can save you a lot of time because they come prebuilt with professional design elements already in place. All you need to do is paste your own images and information into the handy placeholders. And, they're really easy to use.

Of course, you could create your own PowerPoint slide designs from scratch. But that can be time-consuming—especially if you're not a professional graphic designer. You're much better off using a premade template to get a head start on the way your presentation looks. That way, you can spend the bulk of your project time on research and writing.

If you're a professor, teacher, or even a student who creates a lot of PowerPoint presentations, you'll want to consider investing in an Envato Elements  subscription. For one low monthly price you'll get unlimited access to our entire library of easy-to-use PowerPoint templates, WordPress themes, video tutorials, and more. It's an investment you'll use again and again.

Even if you just have an occasional need for a PowerPoint presentation template, you can still access a library of professionally designed templates through GraphicRiver for a one-time fee.

Let's take a look at some of the best PowerPoint presentation templates for educators and students from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver :

1. Creativa Education PowerPoint

The Creativa Education PowerPoint template works well for any educational purpose. This attractive theme includes templates for 30 unique slides. Plus, there are three premade color themes. Both widescreen and standard format templates are included. If you're a university student, you may want to take a closer look at this one.

2. Fresh Creative Chalkboard Presentation  

This fun PowerPoint template is perfect for teachers and other educators. Simulate a chalkboard with either the classic green or a stylish gray background. Great for the classroom or even a learning-themed presentation. The template includes the Scratch kit font. There's also a PSD file with a smart object layer.

3. Education& Science Infographic PowerPoint

Here's the perfect theme with great editable infographics! This colorful science-themed template is full of education-friendly features:

• Easy-to-edit
• Documentation

If you're a science teacher, be sure to explore this kid-friendly PowerPoint template.

4. Campuz- University PowerPoint Template

Whether you're a teacher, a professor, or a student—you'll love the Campuz - University PowerPoint Template. It's chock full of useful features. For example, it 25 map slides that would be just perfect for a geography or history lesson. It also includes 24/7 support.

5. Puzzle- Education PowerPoint Template

Make learning fun with this puzzle-themed template. And who doesn't love a good puzzle? This great template includes 30 unique slides (including an infographic). Plus, there are three different premade color themes. And there are templates for both wide screen and standard formats. Just replace the image placeholders with your own pictures and add your own text.

6. Education PowerPoint Presentation Template

This popular education template provides plenty of options. And it comes with free support. Here's just some of what it includes:

• 54 unique slides
• 90 color themes
• 3 aspect rations
• Light and dark backgrounds

Don't overlook this one!

7. Solar System Education Presentation

Whether you're a student with a science presentation or an someone who teaches science you'll love this unique presentation template on the solar system. And it comes with 34 custom slides. It's based on free fonts. This would be especially good for teachers of the primary grades.

8. Education Template

The Education template works well for both educational and business presentations. With over 2700 vector icons and 5 pre-made color schemes, this is a very flexible template. It includes map infographics. All the graphics are editable.

9. Armeni: PowerPoint Presentation

Here's a great business PowerPoint presentation template that can be used for professional presentations as well as educational presentations. This attractive minimalist design will help your slideshow to capture your audience's attention. Choose from 54 different unique slides. It's built with the PowerPoint slide master tool so your presentation stays consistent.

10. Kids Presentation Template

The Kids Presentation Template features bright, cheerful designs and primary colors. This would be great for a primary school teacher or even a principal! There are more than 30 unique slides. Choose between 17 color schemes. And it works with three different aspect rations (16:9, 4:3, and A4). Plus it's easy to customize by adding your own images and text.

Learn Even More About Using PowerPoint

In this tutorial, you learned how to cite PowerPoint presentations using two popular style guides: APA format and MLA format. Whether you're a teacher or a student, citing your references properly is important for academic projects.

If you want to learn all about how to use PowerPoint, study one   of our  PowerPoint learning guides .  Here are some of our most popular PowerPoint tutorials to get you started:

If you'd like to explore more great premium PowerPoint templates to get a head start on your next presentation slideshow, this article features some great templates for inspiration:

For more details on how to use a PowerPoint presentation, study this tutorial:

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How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA

One of the most widely used citation formats for academic writing includes the APA style. APA stands for the American Psychological Association, which is a citation style commonly used for journals, articles, books, etc. If you need to cite a PowerPoint in APA, you will need to follow a specific format to mention the source.

Basics of APA Citation

When using APA citation, the following basics need to be considered:

• Author: This information includes the one who has created the source material you are referring to.
• Date: The date is meant to mention the publication date for the content you cite.
• Title: This is the title of the book, article, journal, or PowerPoint presentation.
• Source: This mentions the source of the content so the reader knows where the content can be retrieved from.

How to Cite a PowerPoint APA Style

The following examples explain how you can cite a PowerPoint presentation, publication, or image in PowerPoint.

How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation using APA

To cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA, use the below-mentioned format. You can add this information to your slides in PowerPoint templates as plain text below the relevant information.

APA Format: Last name of Author(s) or Presenter(s), Initials. First Initial. (Date of publication). Title of the PowerPoint presentation . Conference Name, Place. URL.

Example: John, R. G. (2019). How to Avoid Death by PowerPoint [PowerPoint slides]. Department of Sociology, University of XYZ. example URL

How to Cite a Publication using APA in PowerPoint

When adding a passage from a book, journal, or article, you can use the format described below for citation using APA.

APA Format: Last name of Author(s), Initials. First Initial. (Year). Title of the publication . Source.

Example: Carroll, L., & Tenniel, J. (2022). Alice in Wonderland: The Original 1865 Edition with Complete Illustrations (Lewis Carroll Classics). Independently published.

How to Cite an image in PowerPoint using APA

APA Format: Author(s). (Year). Title of the image [image type]. Website. URL.

Example: George, J. (2023). 3D SWOT Analysis PowerPoint Template [Clipart]. SlideModel. https://slidemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/6324-01-3d-swot-analysis-1.jpg

The formatting for citation methods can vary based on the content you cite. You can learn about using various citation styles when making PowerPoint presentations from our guide about how to cite pictures in PowerPoint .

The APA citation style, developed by the American Psychological Association, is commonly used for citing sources in academic writing, particularly in the social sciences. It ensures consistency and helps readers locate the original sources.

Place the APA citation as plain text at the bottom of the relevant slide. This helps attribute the source correctly and maintains a clean, professional look.

To cite a book or article in APA style: – Format: Last name of Author(s), Initials. First Initial. (Year). Title of the publication. Source. – Example: Carroll, L., & Tenniel, J. (2022). Alice in Wonderland: The Original 1865 Edition with Complete Illustrations (Lewis Carroll Classics). Independently published.

For an APA citation of a PowerPoint presentation, include: – Author(s) or Presenter(s) – Date of publication – Title of the presentation – Conference name and place (if applicable) – URL (if available online)

If the PowerPoint presentation is available online, include a URL. If it’s an internal or unpublished presentation, provide sufficient details to identify the source without a URL.

Double-check each citation for accuracy: – Verify author names and initials. – Confirm publication dates. – Ensure titles and sources are correctly formatted. – Include URLs where applicable.

To cite a conference presentation: – Format: Last name of Author(s) or Presenter(s), Initials. First Initial. (Year, Month). Title of the presentation. Paper presented at the Conference Name, Location. – Example: Smith, J. A. (2023, May). Advances in Renewable Energy. Paper presented at the International Conference on Sustainability, New York, NY.

Citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation: – Gives credit to original authors. – Enhances the credibility of your presentation. – Helps avoid plagiarism. – Provides references for further reading.

APA citation format varies slightly depending on the source type (e.g., books, articles, images, presentations). Always use the specific format required for each source type to ensure accuracy.

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How to Cite a Website in a PowerPoint Presentation Apa

Giving credit to sources used in a PowerPoint presentation is essential to provide proof of the information presented. It also gives credit to the original source and makes it easy for the audience to investigate and learn more. Proper citation of sources used in PowerPoint presentations is crucial, and APA citation style is one of the most commonly used citation styles. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how to cite a website in a PowerPoint presentation APA.

Table of Contents

Why citing sources is important in PowerPoint presentations

Citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation is critical because it helps to establish credibility and provides the audience with accurate and verifiable information. It also enables the audience to research further and ensures the original source of information receives proper credit. Additionally, failure to cite sources appropriately may lead to plagiarism, which can have serious consequences.

Another reason why citing sources is important in PowerPoint presentations is that it shows respect for the work of others. By acknowledging the sources of information used in the presentation, you are demonstrating that you have done your research and are not simply presenting someone else’s work as your own. This can help to build trust with your audience and establish you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy presenter.

Furthermore, citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation can also help to avoid legal issues. Using someone else’s work without permission or proper attribution can result in copyright infringement, which can lead to legal action. By citing sources appropriately, you can avoid these legal issues and ensure that you are using information in a responsible and ethical manner.

Understanding APA citation style

APA citation style is a set of rules developed by the American Psychological Association to standardize the citation of sources in academic writing, including PowerPoint presentations. It includes guidelines for formatting citations and references and covers various types of sources, such as books, journals, websites, and others.

One of the key features of APA citation style is the use of in-text citations, which are brief references to sources within the body of the text. These citations typically include the author’s last name and the year of publication, and they help readers locate the full reference in the list of references at the end of the document. In addition to in-text citations, APA style also requires a reference list at the end of the document, which provides detailed information about each source cited in the text. By following these guidelines, writers can ensure that their sources are properly credited and their work is more easily understood and verified by others.

What information do you need to cite a website in APA format?

The following information is necessary when citing a website in APA format:

• Author’s last name and first initial(s)
• Year the website was published or updated
• Title of the webpage
• Website name
• URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

It is important to note that if the website does not have a publication or update date, you should include the date you accessed the website. Additionally, if the website is an online version of a print publication, you should include the publication information for the print version as well.

Steps to follow when citing a website in a PowerPoint presentation Apa

Here are the steps to follow when citing a website in a PowerPoint presentation APA:

• Start with the author’s last name and first initial(s).
• Follow the author’s name with the year the website was published or updated in parenthesis.
• After the date, add the title of the webpage, followed by a period.
• Add the name of the website in italics, followed by a period.
• Finally, add the URL of the website.

It is important to note that when citing a website in a PowerPoint presentation, you should also include the date you accessed the website. This is because websites can be updated or removed, and including the date of access helps ensure that your audience can find the information you are citing. You can add the date of access at the end of the citation, after the URL, in the format of “Retrieved Month Day, Year, from [URL]”.

Tips for formatting your citation correctly

To format your citation correctly, ensure that you do the following:

• Use proper capitalization in the title and name of the website.
• Italicize the name of the website.
• Use a hanging indent for the second and subsequent lines of your citation.

Additionally, it is important to include the date of access for online sources, as the content may change over time. This information should be included at the end of your citation, following the format of “Accessed [Month Day, Year].”

How to avoid plagiarism when creating a PowerPoint presentation

To avoid plagiarism in PowerPoint presentations, always cite your sources properly. Additionally, try to paraphrase information rather than copying it verbatim. Another crucial tip is to ensure you include all sources used in creating the presentation in your reference list.

It is also important to note that images and graphics used in your PowerPoint presentation should also be properly cited. If you are using an image or graphic that you did not create, make sure to give credit to the original source. This can be done by including a caption or citation directly on the image or in the notes section of the slide. By properly citing all sources, including images and graphics, you can ensure that your presentation is not only plagiarism-free but also ethically sound.

Examples of how to cite different types of websites in Apa format

Here are examples of how to cite different types of websites in APA format:

• Online Journal Article: Author, A.A. (Year). Title of paper. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page number(s). URL
• Website: Author, A.A. (Year). Title of webpage. Name of Website. Retrieved from URL
• Blog post: Author, A.A. (Year, Month Day). Title of post [Blog post]. Retrieved from URL

It is important to note that when citing websites in APA format, it is necessary to include the date of access. This is because websites can be updated or removed, and including the date of access ensures that the reader can locate the information you used. The date of access should be formatted as follows: (Accessed Month Day, Year).

Common mistakes to avoid when citing sources in PowerPoint presentations

Some of the common mistakes to avoid when citing sources in PowerPoint presentations include failing to cite your sources properly, failing to include all sources used in your reference list, and copying information from a source without proper attribution.

Another common mistake to avoid when citing sources in PowerPoint presentations is using too many direct quotes. While direct quotes can be useful in emphasizing a point, they should be used sparingly. Instead, try to paraphrase the information in your own words and cite the source appropriately. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the sources you are citing are credible and reliable. Avoid using sources that are biased or lack authority in the subject matter.

Best practices for citing sources in PowerPoint presentations

Here are some best practices for citing sources in PowerPoint presentations:

• Cite all sources used in creating your presentation.
• Ensure your citations and references are formatted correctly according to APA style guidelines.
• Make sure your reference list is complete and includes all sources used in creating your presentation.
• Paraphrase information rather than copying it verbatim.
• Ensure your citations are visible and easy to read in your presentation.

It is also important to consider the credibility of your sources when citing them in your PowerPoint presentation. Make sure to use reputable sources, such as peer-reviewed articles or books from established publishers. Additionally, consider the date of publication and relevance of the source to your presentation topic. Using outdated or irrelevant sources can weaken the credibility of your presentation.

Tools and resources for generating citations and references in Apa format

Several tools and resources are available to help generate citations and references in APA format. These include:

• Citation generators such as Citation Machine, EasyBib, and Cite This For Me.
• The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).
• APA Style Central.

While citation generators can be a helpful tool, it is important to double-check the accuracy of the generated citations. Sometimes, the generator may not correctly identify the source type or may miss important information. It is always a good idea to consult the APA manual or the Purdue OWL for guidance.

In addition to these resources, many universities and libraries offer workshops or online tutorials on APA formatting. These can be a great way to learn more about the intricacies of APA style and ensure that your citations and references are accurate and complete.

Frequently asked questions about citing websites in Apa format for PowerPoint presentations

• Can I use footnotes to cite sources in PowerPoint presentations? It is not recommended to use footnotes in PowerPoint presentations as they can be distracting and take up valuable space on your slides.
• What if the website does not have an author listed? If the website does not have an author listed, use the organization’s name as the author in your citation.
• How do I cite a webpage with no date listed? If the website does not have a date listed, use the abbreviation n.d. (no date) in your citation.
• Where do I include my citations on my PowerPoint slides? It is recommended to include your citations on your slides in the speaker notes section or at the bottom of the slide.

In conclusion, properly citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation is crucial to establish credibility and give credit where it’s due. APA citation style is one of the most commonly used citation styles, and knowing how to cite a website in APA format is essential for any presentation. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and always use proper formatting to avoid plagiarism and ensure your presentation is of the highest quality.

Another important aspect to consider when citing websites in APA format for PowerPoint presentations is the use of in-text citations. In-text citations are used to give credit to sources within the body of your presentation. When citing a website in APA format, include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses at the end of the sentence where the information was used.

It is also important to note that when citing a website in APA format, you should include the full URL of the webpage in your citation. This allows your audience to easily access the source and verify the information you have presented. Additionally, be sure to double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency throughout your presentation.

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How to put References or cite Sources in PowerPoint

Put references or cite sources in powerpoint, 1] in-text citation, 2] image citation, 3] create reference list, 4] use online citation generator, komalsrivastava@twc.

APA Citation Guide (7th Edition)

• What's New in the 7th Edition - Handouts!
• APA Citation Resources
• Basic Information
• Bias-Free Language
• When Information Is Missing
• Ethics Code
• Figures/Images
• Media Sources
• Reference Lists
• Finding the DOI
• Formating a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style
• Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
• Academic Writer This link opens in a new window

How to format a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style:

The APA manual does not have a section on how to format a PowerPoint presentation, but y ou can follow APA style guidelines within your PowerPoint . For example:

• Include the same information on your title slide that you would have on a title page. 
• Include in-text citations for any quote, paraphrase, image, graph, table, data, audio or video file that you use within your presentation. Please note that photographs are considered figures in APA style. See section 7.30 of the APA manual for more information about this.
• The last slide will be your References List. 
• “No citation, permission, or copyright attribution is necessary for clip art from programs like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint” (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020, p. 346).
• Do not reproduce images without permission from the creator or owner of the image. See section 12.15 of the APA manual for more information about this.

How to cite PowerPoint slides in your References List

You will use the following format to cite PowerPoint slides:

Author, A. A. (year).  Title of presentation  [PowerPoint slides]. Website Name. https://xxxxx

Please note that “if the slides come from a classroom website, learning management system [e.g., Blackboard], or company intranet and you are writing for an audience with access to that resource, provide the name of the site and its URL (use the login page URL for sites requiring login)” (APA, 2020, p. 347). Don't forget to indent the second and subsequent lines.

Goodwin University. (n.d.).  Social media and marketing communications: Written/Oral project outline . [PowerPoint slides]. Blackboard. https://goodwin.blackboard.com

• << Previous: Finding the DOI
• Next: Academic Integrity & Plagiarism >>
• Last Updated: Feb 29, 2024 10:11 AM
• URL: https://goodwin.libguides.com/apastyle

APA Citations

• Why Do You Cite?
• When to Cite
• References Page
• PowerPoint Presentations
• More Help with APA

Slide Shows

There are no official instructions for formatting a PowerPoint presentation or slideshow in the APA style. However, most colleges/universities, professionals, and educators follow the general guidelines for formatting their slideshows in the APA style:

• Include an in-text citation for every slide in which you paraphrase, quote, or summarize information from one of your sources: (Author, year). Place this citation in the bottom right corner of your slides.
• Include a references slide(s) at the end using the same format as an APA-formatted references page.

See the examples below.  Use the arrows to move through the slides.

• << Previous: References Page
• Next: More Help with APA >>
• Last Updated: May 7, 2024 11:45 AM
• URL: https://libguides.sowela.edu/APA

APA 7th Edition Citation Examples

• Volume and Issue Numbers
• Page Numbers
• Undated Sources
• Citing a Source Within a Source
• In-Text Citations
• Academic Journals
• Encyclopedia Articles
• Book, Film, and Product Reviews
• Online Classroom Materials
• Conference Papers
• Technical + Research Reports
• Court Decisions
• Treaties and Other International Agreements
• Federal Regulations: I. The Code of Federal Regulations
• Federal Regulations: II. The Federal Register
• Executive Orders
• Charter of the United Nations
• Federal Statutes
• Dissertations and Theses
• Interviews, E-mail Messages + Other Personal Communications
• Social Media
• Business Sources

Format for PowerPoint presentations

How to format your powerpoint in apa style.

• AI: ChatGPT, etc.

Author last name, first initial. (Date). Title of the PowerPoint  [PowerPoint slides]. Host site. URL

Thomes, C. (n.d.). UMGC Library APA citation basics [PowerPoint slides]. University of Maryland Global Campus. https://libguides.umgc.edu/ld.php?content_id=68264148

In-text citation:

(Thomes, n.d.)

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• Last Updated: Mar 18, 2024 12:55 PM
• URL: https://libguides.umgc.edu/apa-examples

How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA Style

PowerPoint presentations are frequently used as sources in academic and professional contexts. Citing PowerPoints in APA style requires specific elements: author’s name, presentation date, slide title, [PowerPoint slides], and source URL (if available). These details apply to both in-text citations and reference list entries. Proper citation ensures credit to creators and allows readers to locate the source.

Elements of a PowerPoint Citation in APA  

Author’s name: getting it right  .

The author’s name is the starting point for any citation. In APA style, the author’s last name is followed by their initials. For a PowerPoint presentation, the author is typically the person who created or delivered the presentation. For example:

Smith, J.  

Date of Presentation: Finding the Correct Date  

The date of the presentation is just as important as the author’s name. It gives context to the currency and relevance of the information presented. For instance:

(2023, April 15).  

Title of the PowerPoint

The title of the PowerPoint should be italicized and use sentence-case capitalization. This means only the first word and any proper nouns are capitalized. For example:

The impact of climate change on Arctic wildlife.

Description of the Format: Indicating it’s a PowerPoint  

To indicate that the source is a PowerPoint presentation, you need to include a description in square brackets right after the title. For example:

[PowerPoint slides].  

URL or Location: Providing Access Information  

If the PowerPoint is accessible online, include the URL. If it was part of a class or conference and is not available online, provide the name of the institution or event. For example:

Retrieved from https://www.example.com/presentation  

Citing a PowerPoint from an Online Source  

Identifying online powerpoints  .

When citing a PowerPoint from an online source, ensure that the presentation is publicly accessible and verify the accuracy of the URL. This helps readers locate the original source easily.  

How to Format the URL  

The URL should be complete and lead directly to the PowerPoint. If the URL is long, you can use a URL shortener, but ensure it remains reliable. For example:

Retrieved from https://short.url/presentation  

Examples of Online PowerPoint Citations  

Here’s how a complete citation might look:

Smith, J. (2023, April 15). The impact of climate change on Arctic wildlife [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/presentation

Citing a PowerPoint from a Class Lecture  

Differences from online sources  .

Citing a PowerPoint from a class lecture involves some different elements since these presentations are often not accessible to the general public. The citation needs to reflect this restricted access.  

Tips for Getting Accurate Information  

Ensure you have the correct name of the presenter, the exact date of the presentation, and the institution where it was delivered. For example:

Jones, L. (2023, March 10). The future of renewable energy [PowerPoint slides]. Lecture presented at the University of Green Energy, Solar City, CA.

Sample Citations for Class Lecture PowerPoints  

In-text citations for powerpoint presentations  , basic format for in-text citations  .

In-text citations for PowerPoint presentations follow the author-date format. For example:

(Smith, 2023).  

Special Cases: Multiple Authors, No Date  

If the PowerPoint has multiple authors, cite them as follows:

(Smith & Jones, 2023).

If no date is available, use “n.d.” to indicate no date:

(Smith, n.d.).  

Practical Examples of In-Text Citations  

Here’s how you might cite a slide in the body of your text:

According to Smith (2023), the impact of climate change on Arctic wildlife is significant.  

Real-World Examples and Corrections  

Smith, J. (2023). Impact of climate change [PowerPoint].  

FAQs  

How do i cite a powerpoint presentation in apa style  .

To cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA style, include the author’s name, date of presentation, title of the presentation in italics, a description of the format in square brackets, and the URL or location of the presentation. For example: Smith, J. (2023, April 15). The impact of climate change on Arctic wildlife [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/presentation.  

What if the PowerPoint presentation doesn’t have a date?  

If the PowerPoint presentation doesn’t have a date, use “n.d.” (no date) in the citation. For example: Smith, J. (n.d.). The impact of climate change on Arctic wildlife [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/presentation.  

How do I cite a PowerPoint from a class lecture in APA style?  

To cite a PowerPoint from a class lecture, include the presenter’s name, date of the presentation, title of the presentation in italics, a description of the format in square brackets, and the name of the institution or event. For example: Jones, L. (2023, March 10). The future of renewable energy [PowerPoint slides]. Lecture presented at the University of Green Energy, Solar City, CA.  

Can I use shortened URLs for citing PowerPoints in APA style?  

Yes, you can use shortened URLs as long as they are reliable and direct readers to the correct presentation. Ensure the shortened URL is still accessible and accurate.

Conclusion  

APA citations for PowerPoints include the author’s name, presentation date, slide title, [PowerPoint slides], and source URL (if online). Use the author’s last name and year for in-text citations. Create a full entry in your reference list. For presentations you’ve attended, include the event name and location. Always consult the current APA manual for the most up-to-date rules. Accurate PowerPoint citations support your arguments and maintain academic integrity.

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Citing PowerPoints in APA (6th Edition) | Format & Examples

Published on November 6, 2020 by Koen Driessen . Revised on November 30, 2020.

Table of contents

Slides are only available via: blackboard, n@tschool, moodle, magister etc., slides publicly accessible.

When the slides are part of a digital study database, you can just add a footnote in which you make clear that the source is only accessible via the digital study database.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Is the source publicly accessible, then the reference according to the APA Style is the same as for a normal internet source .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Driessen, K. (2020, November 30). Citing PowerPoints in APA (6th Edition) | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/6th-edition/archived-lecture-slides-handouts/

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Last Updated: January 8, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is a wikiHow Content Creator. She specializes in reviewing, fact-checking, and evaluating wikiHow's content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. Jennifer holds a JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 49,286 times.

When creating a reference list in American Psychological Association (APA) style, the point is to direct your readers to the source. This may be difficult if the source you want to cite is a PowerPoint presentation. if the presentation appears online, you can cite it like you would any other webpage. However, a live PowerPoint presentation should be cited as a "personal communication." [1] X Research source

Citing a Presentation Posted Online

• Example: Sunshine, S.J.

• Example: Sunshine, S.J. (2018).

• Example: Sunshine, S.J. (2018). Revolutionary uses of solar energy [PowerPoint slides].

• Example: Sunshine, S.J. (2018). Revolutionary uses of solar energy [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://www.sunnypower.com/revolution

APA Reference List Format

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of presentation [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from URL.

• Example: Solar energy has been experimentally used to power motor vehicles (Sunshine, 2018).

• Example: If motor vehicles could be retrofitted to run on solar power, America could "end its dependence on fossil fuels within 10 years" (Sunshine, 2018, slide 11).

Citing a Live Presentation

• Your instructor or advisor may want you to include an entry in your reference list. It's a good idea to ask in advance and follow their instructions.

• Example: (L. Lovegood,

• Example: (L. Lovegood, personal communication,

• Example:(L. Lovegood, personal communication, March 22, 2019).

APA Live Presentation In-Text Format

(A. A. Author, personal communication, Month Day, Year).

Expert Q&A

• With in-text citations, don't repeat information in the parenthetical citation that you've already included in your text. For example, if you've mentioned the author or presenter's name in your text, there's no need to include that name in your parenthetical citation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples/powerpoint-references
• ↑ https://guides.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/APA/lecture
• ↑ https://columbiacollege-ca.libguides.com/apa/classnotes
• ↑ https://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2010/10/what-belongs-in-the-reference-list.html
• ↑ https://www.bibliography.com/citations/how-to-cite-a-lecture-in-apa-mla-and-chicago-styles/

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Answered By: Paul Lai Last Updated: Jul 17, 2023     Views: 73262

Citing a powerpoint presentation.

To cite a PowerPoint presentation in your text, use the typical in-text citation format of author's surname and year of publication.

For a reference entry of the files/slides, use the following:

• the author’s last name and first initial or the authoring organization
• the year of publication
• the title of the slides in italics
• a bracketed description of the type of media
• retrieval information (e.g., if the slides come from a classroom website, provide the name of that site and its URL)

Walden University Writing Center. (2019). Writing the literature review [PowerPoint slides]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/webinars/graduate

Walden University. (2020). Introduction to psychoanalysis [PowerPoint slides]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu

Citing a Webinar Recording

To create a reference entry for a recorded webinar or webcast, use the following:

• the word Producer in parentheses to show that the author and producer are the same
• the name of the program in italics
• retrieval information

Walden University Writing Center. (Producer). (2013).  Writing the literature review  [Video]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/webinars/graduate

Additional Resources:

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center? If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Reviews webpage and make an appointment with us!

• How do I cite using APA?  
• If you are working on other types of sources, see the Writing Center's page of common reference examples .
• You may also find it helpful to view more guidelines on creating reference lists .

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CORE 1000: Introduction to Future Studies

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• University Writing Services "Whether you are brainstorming your first assignment at Saint Louis University or putting the final touches on your dissertation, SLU's University Writing Services can offer individualized feedback on your writing and composition process."

Plagiarism Prevention

Learn more at the slu academic integrity pages, slu academic integrity policy, helpful apa citation style sources.

In addition to the sources below, check out SLU Librarian Jamie Emery's guide  Style Guides & Manuals , including resources for APA, MLA, Chicago & more.

Includes information on APA style citations, as well as information on other citation styles and formatting. This site also includes a variety of other useful writing related information.

APA (American Psychological Association) style is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. This resource, revised according to the 7th edition of the APA manual, offers examples for the general format of APA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the reference page. For more information, please consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (7th ed.).

This poster created by Purdue Owl summarizes APA style in a visual format.

The style and grammar guidelines pages present information about APA Style as described in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition and the Concise Guide to APA Style, Seventh Edition.

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How to Cite in APA Format (7th edition): Citation Style Guide

Table of Contents

What is APA 7th Edition ?    

The American Psychological Association (APA) introduced the latest edition of the APA Style Manual (i.e., APA 7 th edition ) in 2019. APA Style has its origins in 1929 , when a group of academics and professionals decided to develop a set of guidelines that would standardize scientific writing. The earliest form was a seven-page guide published in the Psychological Bulletin . The first formal edition of the APA Publication Manual was published in 1952, with subsequent editions appearing in 1974, 1983, 1994, 2001, 2009, and most recently, in 2019.  

Over the years, the APA style guide has evolved considerably to meet the changing needs of a wide range of disciplines, from social and behavioral sciences to health care, natural sciences, and humanities. APA Style is widely used by academic journals and books.  

As APA 7 th edition is the current and most updated version, students and researchers should familiarize themselves with the style guidelines, including the reference and citation styles.  

Who Should Use APA 7th Edition ?    

The aim of style guides such as the APA Style Guide is to simplify the work of editors and make it easier for readers to understand a text by ensuring a uniform format for a given publication. For example, the APA Style Guide will contain guidelines that lay down the APA reference format and APA style citation for authors to follow.  

The APA Style Guide can be a valuable reference when writing and formatting academic papers, irrespective of discipline. However, this style is primarily used by professionals, researchers, and students in the social sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology, anthropology), behavioral sciences, education, business, and nursing.  

If you are a student, you may consult with an instructor to check what style your discipline uses before using APA Style in your work. Most importantly, be sure to check the guidelines of your university or the journal you plan to publish in to ensure APA 7 th edition is the correct style to use.   

APA In-text Citations    

Researchers rely on citations and references to give credit to original sources, support their arguments, and guide readers to additional information for further study. Let us now look at how to cite sources in APA format. The formatting requirements of APA 7th edition citation for referring to secondary sources in your text are as follows.  

The APA citation format includes the author’s last name and the year of publication. When referring to a particular part of a source, the page number may be included, e.g., “(Rawat et al., 2018, p. 115).”  

APA style citation in the text may be parenthetical or narrative.  

In parenthetical citation, the author’s name and the year of publication are placed in parentheses within the text. This style is used at the end of a sentence. See below for an example:  

• Gender, age, education, and income determine a person’s risk and adaptive capacities (Birkmann et al., 2022).  

In narrative citation, the author’s name appears as a part of the sentence, followed by the publication year in parentheses. See below for an example:  

• Birkman et al. (2022) note that gender, age, education, and income determine a person’s risk and adaptive capacities.

Table 1: How to cite sources in APA format when there are multiple authors and organizations as authors  

*First time with an abbreviation: (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016); all subsequent citations: (WHO, 2016)  

Table 2: How to cite sources in APA format when some information is missing  

  APA Reference Format    

After APA citations , let us now look at the APA reference format. As an academic, you might use a wide array of source types. According to the APA style guide , each type is formatted in a certain manner. The most commonly used sources are journal articles, books, and dissertations. However, you occasionally might need to cite webpages, podcasts, and news article. How would all these appear in an APA 7 reference page ? You will find your answers in Table 3!  

Table 3: How to format various sources in the APA reference list  

Formatting the APA Paper    

Papers formatted according to APA 7th edition typically contain the following elements:  

Title page with the title (bold, centered), running head and page number in the header, author names and affiliations, and author notes (ORCID ID, conflicts of interest, etc.); see below:  

Next comes the abstract . It should be double spaced and use consistent font. The keywords appear below the abstract, with an indent.  

For the main text, margins are 1 inch on all four side s. T he text is double spaced . T he font used should be consistent . H eadings are used to separate sections , and d etails on heading levels are as follows:  

Source: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/headings

Finally, the APA 7 reference page contains the references to all sources used in the paper. References are double-spaced and use hanging indents :  

Style guides in academic writing serve to standardize formatting, citations, and language use across scholarly works. They provide readers with cues they can use to follow the text more efficiently and to locate information of interest to them. In other words, it avoids distraction of unfamiliar or non-uniform formatting.  

In this piece about APA 7th edition , we have explained in detail the nuances of APA citations , including how to cite in APA format and how to format the APA 7 reference page . A brief primer on formatting a manuscript in line with APA 7th edition is also provided.  

Frequently Asked Questions    

• What are the major changes from APA 6th to APA 7th Edition ?  

The updates from APA 6th to APA 7th Edition reflect a commitment to improving clarity, inclusivity, and usability in scholarly writing. The salient differences from APA 6 th edition are as follows:  

• Title page format: The title page has been updated for professionals. The author note includes information such as ORCID IDs and conflict of interest disclosures.
• Running head: The running head format has been simplified for professional authors.
• Font flexibility : There is greater flexibility in font specifications to enhance accessibility.
• Bias-free language guidelines: The guidelines for bias-free language have been updated to promote inclusivity and respect when writing about various identities.  
• Reference formatting: In APA 7th edition , the number of authors included in a reference entry has changed to allow up to 20 authors before using an ellipsis. The presentation of DOIs and URLs has been standardized.  
• In-text citations: In-text citations for works with three or more authors have been simplified to include only the first author’s name followed by “et al.”
• Accessibility: APA 7th edition emphasizes accessibility for users with disabilities, ensuring that guidelines support various modalities, including screen readers.  
• How do I cite a journal article in APA 7th Edition ?  

According to APA 7 th edition , a reference would appear as below:  

Author, A. A. (Year of Publication). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, volume number (issue number), pages. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/yyyy .  

The in-text citation would include the author name(s) and year of publication, e.g., (Andriolatou, 2007).   

• How should multiple authors be cited in APA 7th Edition?  

APA 7 citation style would vary depending on the number of authors and whether you are citing the source parenthetically or narratively:  

Single author, parenthetical: (Bik, 2020)  

Single author, narrative: Bik (2020) reported that…  

Two authors, parenthetical: (Bik & Urs, 2019)  

Two authors, narrative: As demonstrated by Bik and Urs (2019), …  

Three or more authors, parenthetical: (Bik et al., 2023)  

Three or more authors, narrative: Bik et al. (2023) have published…  

• How do I format in-text citations for a direct quote?  

When someone else’s words are copied verbatim in your paper, it refers to a direct quote.   

For APA 7 citation of short direct quotes (<40 words), use quotation marks around the quote and cite the author, year, and page number:  

Another way to look at it is how people “get a broader range of experience than they would on a feature” (Catmull, 2014, p. 209).  

For APA 7 citation of longer quotes, or block quotes, the sentence preceding the quote ends in a colon and is followed by the quoted text. No quotation marks are used. The quote is indented and cited without a period at the end (see the figure below).   

Figure: How to cite block quotes in APA citations

To conclude  

Over the years, the APA style guide has evolved significantly. The current version, APA 7th edition , has expanded in both scope and size to accommodate the needs of wide-ranging fields and to address changing times. Despite these changes, the core intention—to provide clear, consistent guidelines for effective communication—remains at the heart of APA Style .   

For busy researchers, not only is it difficult to remember the different elements of citations and references and the subtle differences in formatting, but it also a tedious task to manually format in-text citations and reference lists and ensure consistency between them. In addition, you might need to format (and even re-format) your manuscript according to different journals, which might follow styles different from APA 7th edition (MLA, Chicago, AMA, etc.)! But there is no need to worry…help is at hand!

Citation generators are online tools that format references in different styles. There are a number of citation generators available, and Paperpal has launched its new citation generator , which stands out from the others in many ways. As a part of Paperpal’s writing workflow, you can easily find and cite sources accurately in a matter of seconds.

This free citation generator supports the updated recent versions of 10,000+ styles, including APA 7th edition . Therefore, it can serve as an APA 7th edition citation generator if you need one! What’s more, you don’t need to switch between multiple tools to search, save, or format your citations. You can rely Paperpal’s citation generation feature for help with citing sources accurately and consistently in your writing. Explore Paperpal for free now!  

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed.  Try for free or  upgrade to Paperpal Prime  starting at US$19 a month  to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

Experience the future of academic writing –  Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!  

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Last Updated: Jul 12, 2024 Views: 12599

How to format a powerpoint presentation in apa style.

The APA manual does not have a section on how to format a PowerPoint presentation, but you can follow APA style guidelines within your PowerPoint. For example:

• Include the same information on your title slide that you would have on a title page.  See this FAQ: How do I make an APA cover sheet?
• Include in-text citations for any quote, paraphrase, image, graph, table, data, audio or video file that you use within your presentation. Please note that photographs are considered figures in APA style. See section 7.30 of the APA manual for more information about this.
• The last slide will be your References List. 
• “No citation, permission, or copyright attribution is necessary for clip art from programs like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint” (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020, p. 346).
• Do not reproduce images without permission from the creator or owner of the image. See section 12.15 of the APA manual for more information about this.

How to Cite PowerPoint Slides in your References List

General format.

Author, A. A. (year). Title of presentation [PowerPoint slides]. Website Name. https://xxxxx

NOTE : “if the slides come from a classroom website, learning management system [e.g., Brightspace], or company intranet and you are writing for an audience with access to that resource, provide the name of the site and its URL (use the login page URL for sites requiring login)” (APA, 2020, p. 347). Don't forget to indent the second and subsequent lines.

For Example

Southern New Hampshire University. (n.d.).  Social media and marketing communications: Written/Oral project outline . [PowerPoint slides]. Brightspace. https://learn.snhu.edu/d2l/lp/auth/saml/login

More Information

• APA guide  (Shapiro Library)
• APA Blog This link opens in a new window (APA)
• PowerPoint Slide or Lecture Note References This link opens in a new window (APA)

This information is intended to be a guideline, not expert advice. Please be sure to speak to your professor about the appropriate way to cite sources in your class assignments and projects.

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Journal Article (with a doi)

Lawson, H. M., & Leck, K. (2006). Dynamics of internet dating.   Social Science Computer Review, 24 (2), 189-208. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439305283402

Journal Article (without a doi)

Lawson, H. M. (2003). Controlling the wilderness: The work of wilderness officers.  Society and Animals, 11 (4), 329-351.

Book/eBook/Audio Book (with author and no doi)

Burrough, B. (2004). Public enemies: America’s greatest crime wave and the birth of the FBI, 1933-34. Penguin Press.

Chapter in an Edited Book (with author and doi)

Gaskew, T. (2018). Transforming the systemic humiliation of crime and justice: Reawakening Black consciousness. In D. Rothbart (Ed.), Systemic humiliation in America (pp. 131-144). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70679-5_6

• Double-spaced manuscript
• Serif fonts such as 12-Point Times Roman or 11-point Georgia (other san serif fonts are now permitted for online works such as 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, or 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode)
• 1-inch margins
• Running head on each page in capital letters
• Download a sample paper at: Student Paper (Annotated PDF) Professional Paper (Annotated PDF) Student Paper (Microsoft Word) Professional Paper (Microsoft Word)

Page number is required for a direct quote.

• (Smith, 2014, p. 23)

No page numbers for a direct quote? For in-text citation use para. # or Chapter #.

• (Green, 2002, para. 25) or (Green, 2002, Chapter 2)

No date?  Use (n.d.). in both the reference and in-text citation.

• (Jones, n.d.)

No author information for an article, chapter, or webpage?  Use article title, chapter title, webpage title, or first few words enclosed in quotation marks and italicize the book, report, or journal title when used in manuscript.

• ("Librarians Help Students," 2017) or In the Hanley Library Annual Report (2016)

See the Quick Answers - References page of the APA blog for more examples.

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Organizing and Managing Citations

Citation management software can help you manage your research and easily organize and format your citations in a wide variety of citation styles. Check out the links below for more information about these useful programs. 

• Citation Management Basics This guide provides an overview of citation management software options, including basic functions and the differences between the various options available, including EndNote, EndNote Web, and Zotero. Also provided is contact information for Purdue librarians available to provide citation management support for Purdue faculty, students, and staff.
• EndNote at Purdue This guide provides detailed how-to and FAQ for EndNote citation management software, the desktop version.
• EndNote Basic EndNote Basic is an online citation management program that is freely available for all Purdue users. This guide highlights how-to, key functions, and FAQ, as well as differences between the desktop and online versions of this product.
• Zotero Zotero is a free and open, web-based citation management program. This guide provides info on getting started and carrying out key functions, for students and instructors. It also includes video tutorials.

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• Types of Plagiarism Plagiarism.org presents Plagiarism 101: What is Plagiarism?
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References provide the information necessary for readers to identify and retrieve each work cited in the text .

Check each reference carefully against the original publication to ensure information is accurate and complete. Accurately prepared references help establish your credibility as a careful researcher and writer.

Consistency in reference formatting allows readers to focus on the content of your reference list, discerning both the types of works you consulted and the important reference elements (who, when, what, and where) with ease. When you present each reference in a consistent fashion, readers do not need to spend time determining how you organized the information. And when searching the literature yourself, you also save time and effort when reading reference lists in the works of others that are written in APA Style.

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Academic Referencing: How to Cite a Research Paper

Learning how to conduct accurate, discipline-specific academic research can feel daunting at first. But, with a solid understanding of the reasoning behind why we use academic citations coupled with knowledge of the basics, you’ll learn how to cite sources with accuracy and confidence.

When it comes to academic research, citing sources correctly is arguably as important as the research itself. "Your instructors are expecting your work to adhere to these professional standards," said Amanda Girard , research support manager of Shapiro Library at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

With Shapiro Library for the past three years, Girard manages the library’s research support services, which includes SNHU’s 24/7 library chat and email support. She holds an undergraduate degree in professional writing and a graduate degree in library and information science. She said that accurate citations show that you have done your research on a topic and are knowledgeable about current ideas from those actively working in the field.

In other words, when you cite sources according to the academic style of your discipline, you’re giving credit where credit is due.

Why Cite Sources?

Citing sources properly ensures you’re following high academic and professional standards for integrity and ethics.

“When you cite a source, you can ethically use others’ research. If you are not adequately citing the information you claim in your work, it would be considered plagiarism ,” said Shannon Geary '16 , peer tutor at SNHU.

Geary has an undergraduate degree in communication  from SNHU and has served on the academic support team for close to 2 years. Her job includes helping students learn how to conduct research  and write academically.

“In academic writing, it is crucial to state where you are receiving your information from,” she said. “Citing your sources ensures that you are following academic integrity standards.”

According to Geary and Girard, several key reasons for citing sources are:

• Access. Citing sources points readers to original sources. If anyone wants to read more on your topic, they can use your citations as a roadmap to access the original sources.
• Attribution. Crediting the original authors, researchers and experts  shows that you’re knowledgeable about current ideas from those actively working in the field and adhering to high ethical standards, said Girard.
• Clarity. “By citing your sources correctly, your reader can follow along with your research,” Girard said.
• Consistency. Adhering to a citation style provides a framework for presenting ideas within similar academic fields. “Consistent formatting makes accessing, understanding and evaluating an author's findings easier for others in related fields of study,” Geary said.
• Credibility. Proper citation not only builds a writer's authority but also ensures the reliability of the work, according to Geary.

Ultimately, citing sources is a formalized way for you to share ideas as part of a bigger conversation among others in your field. It’s a way to build off of and reference one another’s ideas, Girard said.

How Do You Cite an Academic Research Paper?

Any time you use an original quote or paraphrase someone else’s ideas, you need to cite that material, according to Geary.

“The only time we do not need to cite is when presenting an original thought or general knowledge,” she said.

While the specific format for citing sources can vary based on the style used, several key elements are always included, according to Girard. Those are:

• Title of source
• Type of source, such as a journal, book, website or periodical

By giving credit to the authors, researchers and experts you cite, you’re building credibility. You’re showing that your argument is built on solid research.

“Proper citation not only builds a writer's authority but also ensures the reliability of the work,” Geary said. “Properly formatted citations are a roadmap for instructors and other readers to verify the information we present in our work.”

Common Citation Styles in Academic Research

Certain disciplines adhere to specific citation standards because different disciplines prioritize certain information and research styles . The most common citation styles used in academic research, according to Geary, are:

• American Psychological Association, known as APA . This style is standard in the social sciences such as psychology, education and communication. “In these fields, research happens rapidly, which makes it exceptionally important to use current research,” Geary said.
• Modern Language Association, known as MLA . This style is typically used in literature and humanities because of the emphasis on literature analysis. “When citing in MLA, there is an emphasis on the author and page number, allowing the audience to locate the original text that is being analyzed easily,” Geary said.
• Chicago Manual of Style, known as Chicago . This style is typically used in history, business and sometimes humanities. “(Chicago) offers flexibility because of the use of footnotes, which can be seen as less distracting than an in-text citation,” Geary said.

The benefit of using the same format as other researchers within a discipline is that the framework of presenting ideas allows you to “speak the same language,” according to Girard.

APA Citation for College: A Brief Overview

Are you writing a paper that needs to use APA citation, but don’t know what that means? No worries. You’ve come to the right place.

How to Use MLA Formatting: A Brief Overview

Are you writing a paper for which you need to know how to use MLA formatting, but don’t know what that means? No worries. You’ve come to the right place.

How to Ensure Proper Citations

Keeping track of your research as you go is one of the best ways to ensure you’re citing appropriately and correctly based on the style that your academic discipline uses.

“Through careful citation, authors ensure their audience can distinguish between borrowed material and original thoughts, safeguarding their academic reputation and following academic honesty policies,” Geary said.

Some tips that she and Girard shared to ensure you’re citing sources correctly include:

• Keep track of sources as you work. Writers should keep track of their sources every time an idea is not theirs, according to Geary. “You don’t want to find the perfect research study and misplace its source information, meaning you’d have to omit it from your paper,” she said.
• Practice. Even experienced writers need to check their citations before submitting their work. “Citing requires us to pay close attention to detail, so always start your citation process early and go slow to ensure you don’t make mistakes,” said Geary. In time, citing sources properly becomes faster and easier.
• Use an Online Tool . Geary recommends the Shapiro Library citation guide . You can find sample papers, examples of how to cite in the different academic styles and up-to-date citation requirements, along with information and examples for APA, MLA and Chicago style citations.
• Work with a Tutor. A tutor can offer support along with tips to help you learn the process of academic research. Students at SNHU can connect with free peer tutoring through the Academic Support tab in their online courses, though many colleges and universities offer peer tutoring.

Find Your Program

How to cite a reference in academic writing.

A citation consists of two pieces: an in-text citation that is typically short and a longer list of references or works cited (depending on the style used) at the end of the paper.

“In-text citations immediately acknowledge the use of external source information and its exact location,” Geary said. While each style uses a slightly different format for in-text citations that reference the research, you may expect to need the page number, author’s name and possibly date of publication in parentheses at the end of a sentence or passage, according to Geary.

A longer entry listing the complete details of the resource you referenced should also be included on the references or works cited page at the end of the paper. The full citation is provided with complete details of the source, such as author, title, publication date and more, Geary said.

The two-part aspect of citations is because of readability. “You can imagine how putting the full citation would break up the flow of a paper,” Girard said. “So, a shortened version is used (in the text).”

“For example, if an in-text citation reads (Jones, 2024), the reader immediately knows that the ideas presented are coming from Jones’s work, and they can explore the comprehensive citation on the final page,” she said.

The in-text citation and full citation together provide a transparent trail of the author's process of engaging with research.

“Their combined use also facilitates further research by following a standardized style (APA, MLA, Chicago), guaranteeing that other scholars can easily connect and build upon their work in the future,” Geary said.

Developing and demonstrating your research skills, enhancing your work’s credibility and engaging ethically with the intellectual contributions of others are at the core of the citation process no matter which style you use.

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A former higher education administrator, Dr. Marie Morganelli is a career educator and writer. She has taught and tutored composition, literature, and writing at all levels from middle school through graduate school. With two graduate degrees in English language and literature, her focus — whether teaching or writing — is in helping to raise the voices of others through the power of storytelling. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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