In-text citations
MLA uses (Author Page) in parentheses with no comma between name and page number, e.g. (Smith 42).
Updated 2026
Free MLA Citation Generator with Source Checks
Use this free MLA citation generator to create Works Cited entries and in-text citations for books, articles, websites, and videos.
- Free to useNo account required
- Editable fieldsFix missing metadata before copying
- Source labelsSee where citation data came from
Citation style
Try real examples
How this MLA citation generator works
Start with the source detail you have, then use this MLA citation generator to check the result before copying.
- PasteUse a DOI, ISBN, URL, source title, or manual entry.
- CheckReview source labels, missing field warnings, and citation style output.
- EditUpdate fields when public metadata is incomplete.
- CopyUse the full citation, in-text citation, or add it to your library.
Works Cited format
Works Cited entries use the core elements: Author. Title of Source. Title of Container, Other Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication Date, Location.
MLA review sheet
MLA checks for Works Cited entries
MLA focuses on containers, authors, titles, and location. The Works Cited entry often changes when a source sits inside a larger container.
Before you copy
Check the container title for journals, websites, databases, and platforms.
Use author-page in-text citations when page numbers are available.
If no author is present, verify whether the title should lead the entry.
Source examples to review
Match the source type, then check the fields that usually cause mistakes.
Journal article
Cite an article from a database
- Check
- Article title, journal container, volume, issue, pages
Website
Cite a web page
- Check
- Page title, site name, publisher, URL, access date
Video
Cite a video source
- Check
- Creator, title, platform, upload date, URL
Quick MLA rules
- MLA in-text citations usually use author and page, when page numbers are available.
- Works Cited entries focus on containers such as journals, websites, and platforms.
- Access dates are useful for web pages that may change.
- If a source has no author, MLA commonly starts with the title.
Common MLA mistakes
- Inserting a comma between author and page in in-text citations
- Forgetting the hanging indent in Works Cited
- Not including the container title for articles and web pages
MLA citation generator questions
What is the MLA citation generator for?
Use it to create MLA Works Cited entries and parenthetical citations from books, articles, websites, videos, and manual source details.
Can I cite books in MLA?
Yes. Enter an ISBN or book title and the generator searches Google Books for real metadata.
Can I cite a website in MLA?
Yes. Paste a URL and the tool extracts page title, site name, canonical URL, and dates when available.
Does MLA always need a URL?
No. URLs are common for online sources, but print books and many database sources may not need one.