How do I reference generative Artifical Intelligence (AI) tools in APA style?
Answer
Guidance on how to cite generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is an evolving area and as yet there is little general agreement on how to reference it. We will continue to review and update guidance, so please check back for updates.
The APA blog has advice on Citing generative AI in APA Style.
Citing an AI tool generally
In text:
Microsoft (2025)...
OR
...(Microsoft, 2025)
In the reference list:
Microsoft. (2025). Copilot (GPT-5) [Large language model]. https://copilot.microsoft.com
Citing an AI chat
In text:
When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the CoPilot generated text indicated that the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized (Microsoft, 2025).
In the reference list:
Microsoft. (2025, September 15). Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor [Generative AI chat]. Copilot. https://copilot.microsoft.com
NB: You may also put the full text of long responses from AI tools in an appendix of your paper or in online supplemental materials, so readers have access to the exact text that was generated. Please check with your Department if this is a requirement.