Student and Writing Tool
MLA Citation Generator
Create basic MLA 9 Works Cited entries and in-text citation suggestions for websites, books, journal articles, and online videos.
Generate an MLA citation
Choose the type of source below. Each source has its own citation form so the fields and formatting stay clear.
Website
Book
Journal Article
YouTube or Online Video
How the MLA Citation Generator works
MLA citations identify the information readers need to locate a source. Depending on the source, that information may include the author, title, container, publisher, publication date, volume, issue, page range, DOI, URL, and access date.
This generator creates a basic Works Cited entry from the information you provide. It also produces an in-text citation suggestion based on the author’s surname or, when no author is supplied, the source title.
Basic MLA 9 citation patterns
Website
Book
Journal article
Online video
Worked example
Author: Lee, Maya
Page title: How Urban Trees Cool Cities
Website: City Science Review
Publisher: Urban Research Institute
Date: 12 May 2026
URL: https://example.org/urban-trees
Access date: 17 Aug. 2026
Works Cited example:
Lee, Maya. “How Urban Trees Cool Cities.” City Science Review,
Urban Research Institute, 12 May 2026,
https://example.org/urban-trees. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.
In-text citation: (Lee)
MLA in-text citations
MLA parenthetical citations generally direct readers to the corresponding Works Cited entry. When a source has a named author, the author’s surname is commonly used.
Without a page number: (Lee)
With a page number: (Lee 47)
Do not invent page numbers for websites, videos, or other sources that do not provide stable page numbers.
Common MLA citation mistakes
- Omitting relevant source information that is actually available.
- Confusing an article or page title with the title of its larger container.
- Inventing an author, date, publisher, page number, DOI, or other missing information.
- Adding page numbers to sources that do not provide stable page numbers.
- Copying an automatically generated citation without checking the original source.
- Ignoring instructor-specific or institution-specific requirements.
Assumptions and limitations
This tool supports basic MLA 9 citation patterns for websites, books, journal articles, and online videos.
More complex sources may require different treatment. Examples include multiple authors, editors, translators, editions, chapters in edited books, multiple containers, databases, government publications, dissertations, archival sources, interviews, and social media.
The generator does not verify that an author, title, journal, publisher, date, DOI, URL, book, or other source detail is factually correct.
Always compare the generated citation with the original source and follow your instructor, institution, publisher, or other applicable requirements.
Privacy
Citation information entered into this tool is processed by the code running in your browser. You do not need to provide your name, student ID, school account, password, or other identifying information.
Avoid entering confidential manuscripts, private student information, passwords, credentials, unpublished research details, or other sensitive information when it is unnecessary.
See the Tool Accuracy and Privacy page for additional information.
Frequently asked questions
What version of MLA does this generator use?
The generator is designed around basic MLA 9 citation patterns for its supported source types.
What if my source has no author?
Leave the author field blank rather than inventing an author. The citation can begin with the source title.
Should I include an access date?
An access date can be useful for online sources that may change, sources without publication dates, or when your instructor requires one.
Can this generator verify whether a source is real?
No. The generator formats information you enter. It does not independently verify the source against a library catalog, publisher, academic database, DOI registry, or other external source.
Does this guarantee a perfect MLA citation?
No. Automatic citation generators are formatting aids. Complex sources and instructor-specific requirements may require manual correction.