How to Cite ChatGPT Deep Research
Updated July 2026
Citing a long report from ChatGPT's Deep Research? Here's the format in APA, MLA, and Chicago — and the part that matters most: it cites real sources, and so should you.
List OpenAI as the author, describe the report, note ChatGPT, Deep Research as the version, and add the [Large language model] label.
The format
OpenAI → year → report description → (ChatGPT, Deep Research) → [Large language model] → share link. Build it in the generator under Manual Entry → AI tool.
OpenAI. (2026). Deep research report on renewable energy adoption (ChatGPT, Deep Research) [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com/share/7a2b-energy
In-text(OpenAI, 2026)
OpenAI. "Deep research report on renewable energy adoption." 2026, https://chatgpt.com/share/7a2b-energy.
In-text(OpenAI)
OpenAI. "Deep research report on renewable energy adoption." 2026. https://chatgpt.com/share/7a2b-energy.
In-text(OpenAI 2026)
What Deep Research is — and why citing it matters
Deep Research is ChatGPT's agentic mode: instead of a quick answer, it spends minutes browsing the web and produces a long, structured report with citations to the sources it found. It reads like a research brief — which is exactly why students lean on it, and why it needs careful citation.
Disclose that you used it. But because the report is built on real sources, the strongest move is usually to verify and cite those directly.
Cite the report — and its sources
- Cite ChatGPT Deep Research when you're relying on its synthesis or wording.
- Follow its citations. Deep Research lists the sources it used — open them, verify the claim, and cite the original source for any fact. That's what your instructor actually wants.
- Don't trust the summary blindly. AI reports can misread or overstate a source; verifying protects your grade and your credibility.
- Keep your prompt and the date — the report isn't reproducible without them.
Keep every citation you make.
A free account saves your citation history and organizes sources into projects with notes and tags.
Create a free account →Find the sources you should be citing.
Premium searches 250 million scholarly works by topic, recommends citations for your claims, and flags statements in your writing that need support.
Go Premium — $5/monthFrequently asked questions
- How do I cite a ChatGPT Deep Research report?
- OpenAI as author, a description of the report, 'ChatGPT, Deep Research' as the version, the [Large language model] label, and a share link. Then cite the underlying sources for any specific fact.
- Should I cite Deep Research or the sources it found?
- Both, ideally. Cite Deep Research for its synthesis, but open and cite the original sources it links — those are verifiable and carry more weight.
- Is a Deep Research report a reliable source?
- Treat it as a starting point, not an authority. Verify its claims against the original sources before relying on them.