Free MLA Citation Generator
Create perfect MLA 9th edition citations in seconds. Auto-fill from URLs, build Works Cited pages, and generate in-text citations for free.
CourseLink's free MLA citation generator creates accurate MLA 9th edition citations automatically. Paste a URL to auto-fill citation details or enter information manually. It supports books, journals, websites, videos, and 20+ other source types, generating both Works Cited entries and in-text parenthetical citations.
What you get, all free.
MLA 9th Edition Format
All citations follow the latest MLA 9th edition guidelines, including updated container rules, optional elements, and the core elements system.
Auto-Cite from URL
Paste any webpage URL and our tool extracts the author, title, publisher, and date to build a properly formatted MLA Works Cited entry automatically.
Works Cited Page Builder
Build your entire Works Cited page with proper alphabetical ordering, hanging indentation, and double spacing. Export it ready to paste into your essay.
Parenthetical & Narrative Citations
Get both parenthetical citations (Author Page) and narrative citation forms generated alongside each Works Cited entry for easy in-text use.
Annotated Bibliography Support
Add annotations to each citation to create a formatted annotated bibliography, a common assignment in English composition and research courses.
Cross-Format Conversion
Already have APA or Chicago citations? Convert your entire bibliography to MLA format with one click, saving hours of manual reformatting.
CourseLink vs Other Citation Tools
| Feature | CourseLink | Other Citation Tools |
|---|---|---|
| MLA 9th Edition Support | ||
| Auto-Fill from URL | ||
| Annotated Bibliography | Paid | |
| Cross-Format Conversion | Paid | |
| Integrated Study Tools | — | |
| Export Formatted Works Cited | Paid | |
| Completely Free | — |
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How to Create MLA Citations with CourseLink
CourseLink's free MLA citation generator simplifies the citation process for English, literature, and humanities papers. Whether you are writing a freshman composition essay or a senior thesis, accurate MLA citations are essential. Our tool supports the MLA 9th edition core elements system and handles every source type you will encounter in college.
The MLA Core Elements System
MLA 9th edition uses a flexible core elements system rather than rigid format templates. The nine core elements are: Author, Title of source, Title of container, Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication date, and Location. Not every source includes all elements. Our generator automatically determines which elements apply to your source type and formats them correctly.
Citing Sources with Containers
In MLA, a 'container' is the larger work that holds your source. For example, a journal article's container is the journal. A TV episode's container is the series. Some sources have multiple containers: an article on JSTOR has the journal as one container and JSTOR as a second. CourseLink's generator handles single and nested containers automatically.
MLA Format Guide for College Papers
Beyond citations, MLA format includes specific requirements for the layout of your paper. Understanding these rules helps you submit polished, professional work that meets your professor's expectations.
Paper Formatting Basics
MLA papers use 1-inch margins on all sides, double spacing throughout, 12-point readable font (Times New Roman is standard), and a header with your last name and page number in the upper right corner. There is no separate title page in MLA unless your instructor requires one. Instead, include your name, instructor name, course, and date on the first page.
Works Cited Page Formatting
The Works Cited page starts on a new page after your essay. Center the title 'Works Cited' at the top (no bold, no underline). Entries are double-spaced with a 0.5-inch hanging indent. Alphabetize entries by the first word (usually the author's last name). Our export feature applies all of this formatting automatically.
Why Students Need an MLA Citation Generator
MLA citations follow complex rules that change with each edition update. Manually formatting citations is time-consuming and error-prone, especially when you are managing multiple sources across several essays. A citation generator eliminates formatting guesswork, reduces point deductions for citation errors, and frees up your time for actual research and writing. CourseLink integrates MLA citation management with assignment tracking, so you can manage your sources and deadlines in one place.
- “How do I cite a website in MLA format?”
- “What is MLA 9th edition format?”
- “How do I make a Works Cited page?”
- “What's the difference between MLA and APA?”
- “How do I cite a book with two authors in MLA?”
Questions students ask.
- How do I cite a website in MLA 9th edition?
- In MLA 9th edition, cite a website with: Author Last, First. 'Title of Page.' Website Name, Publisher (if different from website name), Day Month Year, URL. If no author is listed, start with the title. Our MLA generator handles this automatically when you paste the URL.
- What changed in MLA 9th edition?
- MLA 9th edition (2021) introduced several changes: URLs are now required by default, the term 'Works Cited' replaces earlier variations, optional elements like original publication dates can be included, and there is greater flexibility in formatting. CourseLink's generator always uses the latest MLA 9 rules.
- How do I format in-text citations in MLA?
- MLA in-text citations use the author-page number format: (Smith 42). If no author is available, use a shortened title. For sources without page numbers (like websites), use the author name only: (Smith). For two authors, include both: (Smith and Jones 42).
- How do I cite a book in MLA format?
- The basic MLA book citation format is: Last, First. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. For books with editors, translators, or multiple editions, additional elements are included. Our generator prompts you for all necessary fields based on the source type.
- What is the difference between MLA and APA?
- MLA (Modern Language Association) is primarily used in humanities courses like English and literature, using author-page citations. APA (American Psychological Association) is used in social sciences and psychology, using author-date citations. CourseLink supports both formats and can convert between them.
- How do I cite a YouTube video in MLA?
- In MLA, cite a YouTube video as: Author/Uploader. 'Title of Video.' YouTube, uploaded by Channel Name, Day Month Year, URL. If the uploader and author are the same, list the name once. Our tool auto-fills this from a YouTube URL.
- Can I create an annotated bibliography with this tool?
- Yes, our MLA generator includes an annotated bibliography feature. After creating each citation, you can add a summary and evaluation annotation. The tool formats everything with proper indentation and spacing per MLA guidelines.
- Is CourseLink free?
- Yes. Every feature, every class. There is no Pro tier, no paywall, and no banner ads. CourseLink is funded by donations and by clubs and event organizers who pay to promote events to students.
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