UseFreeTools

Citation Draft Generator

Build APA 7 or MLA 9 reference drafts for a book or webpage from the metadata you enter.

Inputs stay on your device No sign-up Free to use
How this works

The tool runs in this browser. Your file or text is not uploaded to UseFreeTools. Check this tool's limits for anything it may save on your device.

Privacy details

Showing an example. Edit to see your own.

Exactly family,given,initials headers; up to 20 authors in source order. Supply initials and capitalization. Clear this field for an organization or unknown author.

Supply capitalization required by your style guide; the tool preserves it.

Book: YYYY. Webpage: YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD. Blank means no supplied date.

Required for a basic book; optional for a webpage.

HTTP or HTTPS, without embedded credentials. No source lookup runs.

Processed in your browser. Your inputs stay on this device.

How to use Citation Draft Generator

  1. Choose the citation style and source type.
  2. Enter the source metadata and author rows.
  3. Copy the draft and review it against your required style guide.

Example: Citation Draft Generator

A local worked example using the inputs and settings below for citation draft generator.

You add
Reference style: "apa7" Source type: "book" Individual authors (CSV, optional): "family,given,initials\nExample,Alex,A." Organization author (optional): "" Source title: "Sample handbook" Publication year or webpage date: "2026" Publisher: "Example Press" Website name (webpage): "" Source URL (webpage or optional book link): ""
You get
Created one bibliography reference draft. reference.txt reference.md

Options

Author entries
Enter family, given and initials in the shown CSV columns. The selected draft style determines which supplied name components appear.
Source kind and date
Choose the supported source kind and supply its relevant fields. The date and title are entered metadata, not fetched or verified facts.

Supported inputs and limits

Books and webpages only; up to 20 entered authors. Plain text and italic-aware Markdown drafts. No source lookup, DOI retrieval, in-text citations, edited volumes, translations or full style-guide conformance guarantee. Check names, dates, capitalization and punctuation against your required guide.

Where your input is processed

This tool processes your input in this browser. Your text and files are not uploaded to UseFreeTools. Check this tool's limits for anything it may save on your device.

Review the draft against the required style

The output formats the supplied record within a documented subset. Missing publication details, institutional rules and unusual source types may need manual changes. Keep the original source record available when checking spelling, capitalization and punctuation.

Questions about Citation Draft Generator

Does this find source details for me?

No. You supply the metadata; missing or incorrect information affects the draft.

Is every APA or MLA source type covered?

No. The tool supports basic books and webpages. More complex sources need manual formatting.

Why should I review the reference?

Style rules depend on source details and your institution’s requirements. The output is a draft.

Project manager: Tony Hines · Content updated 4 October 2026 · Report a problem

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