University Library > Guides > Citation Formatters

Citation Formatters

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What is a citation formatter? Also called a builder, generator or manager, it is a program in which you enter citation information (author, title, etc.) and the program creates a citation formatted in a specific style (APA, MLA, Turabian, etc.). Citation formatters tend to work best for basic citations of common materials, such as books. If you want to cite something more unusual, such as an interview, class lecture or video, they may not work as well.

Warning: All of citation formatters listed below are provided for your convenience only. Please use them with caution. They are not foolproof and do not guarantee correct results. Be sure to review the results to check for formatting, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, required elements, etc. for the citation style you are using.

Consult the appropriate official style manual for the definitive answer to your citation questions. Some examples of citations in APA, MLA and Turabian styles are available in the Library's Citing References guides. For additional assistance, please contact the library reference desk in person, by phone at (262) 472-1032 or by email/chat. If you need help planning, composing, revising, or editing your paper, including reviewing your citations, please visit the Writing Center in McCutchan Hall.

Databases that Generate Citations

Some University Library databases, such as those from ProQuest, and free online resources, such as Wikipedia, offer suggested citations in a variety of styles. As always, use them with caution. For University Library databases, Off-Campus access requires UW-W login.

  • Encyclopædia Britannica
    After running a search, click on the entry you want. Below the entry, you will see citations in APA and MLA styles.
  • Oxford Reference Online
    After running a search, click on the word you want. Below the definition, you will see a citation in MLA style.
  • ProQuest
    After running a search in any ProQuest database, mark the citations for the articles you are using. Click on the My Research tab, and then on Create your Bibliography. Choose a style, then print, email or download.
  • Web of Science - Requires registration
    After running a search, mark the citations for the articles you are using. Click on Save to My EndNote Web. Log in. When the records have been processed, click on Done. The steps from this point will vary.
  • Wikipedia (Free)
    When in an article, click on Cite This Article in the left-hand toolbox.
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Databases that Export Data to Formatters

Many University Library databases, including those from the systems below, can export data to a purchased formatter. As always, use them with caution. For University Library databases, Off-Campus access requires UW-W login.

  • BiblioLine
    If you have purchased a formatter such as EndNote, ProCite, Reference Manager or RefWorks, BiblioLine provides a means to directly upload citation details to it. After running a search, mark the articles you want. Select OutPut: Marked Citations from the textbox with the email, export, save and print options. Click on Export. Choose your program.
  • EbscoHost
    If you have purchased EndNote, ProCite, Reference Manager or RefWorks, Ebsco provides a means to directly upload citation details to it. After running a search, mark the articles you want by clicking on Add next to each citation. Click on Folder Has Items, and then on Export. Choose the program to export to and click on Save.
  • FirstSearch
    If you have purchased EndNote or RefWorks, FirstSearch provides a means to directly upload citation details to it. After running a search, mark the articles you want. Click on Export. Select the option to export the marked records, choose the program to export to and click on Export.
  • JSTOR
    If you have purchased EndNote, ProCite, Reference Manager or RefWorks, JSTOR provides a means to directly upload citation details to it. After running a search, save the citations for all the articles you want by clicking on Save Citation in each record. Click on View Saved Citations. Select either the Directly export citations into EndNote, ProCite, or Reference Manager option or the Directly export citations into RefWorks option.
  • WebSpirs
    If you have purchased EndNote, ProCite, Reference Manager or RefWorks, WebSpirs provides a means to directly upload citation details to it. After running a search, mark the citations for all the articles you want. Click on the Save icon. Select either the Export to RefWorks option or the Export to Procite, EndNote or Reference Manager option. Click on OK.
  • WilsonWeb
    If you have purchased EndNote or RefWorks, WilsonWeb provides a means to directly upload citation details to it. After running a search, mark the citations for all the articles you want. Click on Exporting/Citing, and then on the Export to RefWorks, EndNote software option. If you have different software, choose either Emailing and Citing Options or Saving and Citing Options instead. From the Format menu, select For Exporting to Bibliographic Software before clicking on the Email or Save button.
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Free Citation Formatters

These formatters are free or have free versions. When specific styles are not noted, a wide range of styles are covered.

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Pay Citation Formatters

These formatters charge a fee for subscription or purchase. Many include advanced features for creating and managing citations, reference lists and bibliographies. This list is not all-inclusive. Prices, which are included as a rough guide only, are for individual subscriptions/purchase, and were accurate as of 12/1/2006. Please consult websites for complete information.