Generate MLA 9 citations from a URL or source details. This free MLA citation generator creates a matching author-page in-text citation and Works Cited entry for the information you provide.
Citation Format
Source Type
Paste a public URL to extract available citation details, then review every field before generating the citation.
Citation Details
Three steps
How to use the MLA citation generator
- Select MLA 9th and choose a source type such as a website, book, or journal article.
- Paste the URL or enter the author, title, publisher, date, pages, and other available details.
- Review every field, generate the citation, and copy the in-text citation and Works Cited entry into your paper.
Source details
What this MLA tool covers
The form supports the source types shown above, including websites, books, journal articles, newspapers, and YouTube videos. URL auto-fill can reduce typing, but source pages do not always expose complete metadata. Check every imported name, title, publication date, page range, and URL against the original source.
The generator formats the information supplied to it. It cannot judge a source’s credibility or replace special instructions from your professor, department, or publisher.
Example
MLA 9 citation example
For a fictional book by Lena Carter:
Works Cited: Carter, Lena. Writing with Sources. Northfield Press, 2024.
In-text citation: (Carter 42)
MLA normally places the author’s surname and the cited page number in parentheses, with no comma between them. Omit the page number when a source has no stable page numbers rather than inventing one.
Edge cases
Common MLA citation cases
- No author: begin the Works Cited entry with the title and use a shortened title in the in-text citation.
- Two authors: name both authors in the in-text citation.
- Three or more authors: use the first author’s surname followed by et al.
- No page numbers: use the author or shortened title alone when that identifies the entry.
- Online source: check the page author, page title, site name, publication date, and URL separately.
Learn more
More MLA help
See the MLA format guide for paper-wide rules, the MLA in-text citation guide for author and page-number cases, and the Works Cited page guide for ordering, spacing, and layout. You can also review how to cite a website or learn how to apply a hanging indent.
FAQ
MLA citation generator questions
Which MLA edition does this generator use?
This page is configured for MLA 9th edition. Make sure MLA 9th remains selected before generating an entry.
Can I use it for websites and books?
Yes. Select the corresponding source type and provide every available detail. Different sources require different elements, so review the completed entry before use.
Does an MLA in-text citation include the year?
Usually not. MLA normally uses the author’s surname and a page number when the source has stable pages, for example (Carter 42).
Should I check a generated MLA citation?
Yes. Confirm the source type and compare all names, titles, dates, container details, page ranges, and URLs with the original source.