How to Cite an AI Conversation
Updated July 2026
Need to point your reader to a specific ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini exchange — not just the tool in general? Here's how to cite an AI conversation with a share link in APA, MLA, and Chicago.
Cite the company as author (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google), describe the response, note the version, add the [Large language model] label, and use the share URL.
The format
Company → year → description of the response → (version) → [Large language model] → share link. Build it in the generator under Manual Entry → AI tool.
OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT response on the causes of inflation (June 12 version) [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com/share/9c1d-inflation
In-text(OpenAI, 2026)
OpenAI. "ChatGPT response on the causes of inflation." 2026, https://chatgpt.com/share/9c1d-inflation.
In-text(OpenAI)
OpenAI. "ChatGPT response on the causes of inflation." 2026. https://chatgpt.com/share/9c1d-inflation.
In-text(OpenAI 2026)
Why a share link matters now
A generic "I used ChatGPT" citation isn't reproducible — your reader can't see what it actually said. ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini now let you share a conversation as a public link, which pins the exact exchange. Using that link turns a vague gesture into a verifiable citation, and that's increasingly what instructors expect.
This is the precise version of citing AI: not the tool in the abstract, but this response, on this date.
How to do it well
- Author = the company (OpenAI for ChatGPT, Anthropic for Claude, Google for Gemini), not the chatbot's name.
- Version carries the date — APA uses a dated version like "June 12 version"; record it.
- Generate a share link in the tool and use it as the URL so the conversation is retrievable.
- Describe the relevant response in the title slot, and keep your prompt in a note.
- Long or unstable output? If you can't share it, quote the relevant part in an appendix.
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Go Premium — $5/monthFrequently asked questions
- How do I cite a specific ChatGPT conversation?
- OpenAI as author, a description of the response, a dated version (e.g., 'June 12 version'), the [Large language model] label, and a ChatGPT share link so the exchange is retrievable.
- Does this work for Claude and Gemini too?
- Yes — use the company as author (Anthropic for Claude, Google for Gemini) and that tool's share link. The format is the same.
- What if I can't create a share link?
- Cite the tool and date as usual, and paste the relevant portion of the conversation into an appendix so your reader can see it.