5 Best Citation Generators (APA & MLA)
Writing a research paper is a lot of work. From finding sources to organizing your arguments, there's a lot to keep track of. And then there's the bibliography. Creating a properly formatted bibliography can be a tedious and time-consuming task. Fortunately, there are a number of great citation generators available that can do the hard work for you. In this guide, we'll review the 5 best citation generators for creating citations in APA and MLA format.
What is a Citation Generator?
A citation generator is a tool that automatically creates a citation in a specific format, such as APA or MLA. You simply enter the information about your source (e.g., author, title, publication date), and the citation generator will create a perfectly formatted citation for you.
Why Use a Citation Generator?
- Saves time: A citation generator can save you a lot of time and effort.
- Ensures accuracy: It can be easy to make mistakes when you're creating citations manually. A citation generator will ensure that your citations are accurate and properly formatted.
- Helps you to avoid plagiarism: Plagiarism is a serious academic offense. A citation generator can help you to avoid plagiarism by making it easy to cite your sources correctly.
The 5 Best Citation Generators
Here are our top picks for the 5 best citation generators:
1. Zotero
Zotero is a free and open-source citation management tool that is a favorite of students and researchers. It allows you to collect, organize, and cite your sources all in one place. Zotero has a browser extension that makes it easy to save sources from the web, and it can generate citations in a wide variety of formats.
2. Mendeley
Mendeley is another popular citation management tool that is similar to Zotero. It has a desktop app and a web-based version, and it allows you to easily import and organize your sources. Mendeley also has a social networking component that allows you to connect with other researchers in your field.
3. EasyBib
EasyBib is a simple and easy-to-use citation generator that is perfect for students who just need to create a few citations. It has a free version that allows you to create citations in MLA format, and a paid version that supports APA and other formats.
4. Citation Machine
Citation Machine is another popular online citation generator. It's very similar to EasyBib, and it offers a free version that supports MLA, APA, and other formats.
5. MyBib
MyBib is a free and ad-free citation generator that is quickly becoming a favorite of students. It's easy to use, it supports a wide variety of citation styles, and it has a number of great features, such as the ability to create annotated bibliographies.
The Bottom Line
A citation generator is an essential tool for any student. Whether you're looking for a powerful citation management tool like Zotero or a simple online citation generator like MyBib, there's a tool out there that is perfect for your needs. By using a citation generator, you can save time, ensure accuracy, and avoid plagiarism.