Reformat an entire reference list
Add a few sources under ABNT, then switch to APA — every entry re-renders in the new style immediately, since each one keeps its raw details, not just the formatted text.
ABNT -> APA -> MLACitation Generator
Fill in a source's author, title, and details once, then get a correctly formatted ABNT, APA, or MLA reference — switch styles at any time and the whole list reformats.
AvailableIn Testing
Citation style
Source type
Author(s)
Fill in the required fields to add this reference.
Reference list
Your reference list is empty. Fill in the form and add your first source.
This tool is still being fine-tuned, so you may run into the odd error. Spotted one? Let us know so we can fix it.
What is Citation Generator?
Generate correctly formatted ABNT, APA, and MLA references for books, websites, and journal articles, then copy or download the full list.
How to build an ABNT, APA, or MLA reference
Fill in a source's details once and get it formatted correctly for ABNT, APA, or MLA — switch styles at any time and the whole list reformats.
How to use it
- Choose a citation style: ABNT, APA, or MLA.
- Choose a source type: book, website, or journal article.
- Fill in the author(s), title, and the fields that type needs.
- Add the reference, then repeat for every source.
What each style needs
ABNT (NBR 6023) capitalizes authors' surnames and bolds the title. APA (7th edition) reduces first names to initials and italicizes the title or journal name. MLA (9th edition) keeps the first author's name inverted, quotes article and page titles, and italicizes container titles such as a book, journal, or site name.
Author formatting differs by style
- ABNT: SILVA, João; SOUZA, Maria. More than three authors becomes the first author followed by "et al."
- APA: Silva, J., & Souza, M. Every author is listed, joined with commas and an ampersand before the last name.
- MLA: Silva, João, and Maria Souza. Three or more authors becomes the first author followed by "et al."
Switching styles keeps your list
Runs entirely in your browser
Every field you fill in, and every formatted reference, stays on your device. Nothing is sent to a server — the reference list only exists in this page's memory until you copy, download, or close the tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which citation styles are supported?
ABNT (NBR 6023), APA (7th edition), and MLA (9th edition), for books, websites, and journal articles.
Can I switch styles after adding references?
Yes. The style selector reformats every reference already in your list, since each one keeps its original details rather than just the rendered text.
Does the tool alphabetize my reference list?
Yes. Entries are sorted by the first author's surname, or by title when a source has no listed author, matching how a bibliography or works-cited page is normally ordered.
Is my source information uploaded anywhere?
No. The reference generator runs entirely in your browser; nothing you type is sent to a server.
What happens if I leave a field blank?
Required fields must be filled in before a reference can be added. Optional fields, like a book's edition or a journal's DOI, are simply left out of the formatted reference when empty.