When you’re creating an essay or article, you may need to cite slides in a PowerPoint presentation. Like other sources, APA style calls for specific formatting for both in-text citations and reference list entries.
Our guide shows you how to cite a PowerPoint in APA along with how to create a reference list automatically using Plus AI as well as manually.
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How to include in-text citations
When you refer to a PowerPoint slideshow in text on your slide, you must include the citation with the reference. You can use a parenthetical citation where you paraphrase the text or a narrative citation where you include a direct quote. Each uses a different format.
For a parenthetical citation, include the last name followed by a comma and the year of publication, all in parentheses: (Name, Year)
As an example: This is the paraphrased quote (Smith, 2019).
For a narrative citation, include the last name followed by parentheses containing only the year: Name (Year)
As an example: According to Smith (2019), “this is the exact quote”.
Tip: Need help with MLA too? Learn how to do MLA format in Google Docs.
How to add a reference list with Plus AI
When you include citations in your paper, you must add a reference list for the APA format as well. And of course, you must style the citations in a specific format.
You can save time and avoid errors by having Plus AI create your APA style reference list for you!
In Google Docs, use the Generate tab to enter your references or details and click Generate.
In PowerPoint or Google Slides, simply insert a slide, provide the title and description, choose a slide layout, and hit Generate Slide.
You’ll see Plus AI list your citations in a nicely formatted reference list.
You can check out Plus AI for Google Slides and Docs as well as look at Plus AI for PowerPoint. The add-on works the same way in Slides and PowerPoint for a consistent feel no matter which app you use. And, Plus AI goes way beyond reference lists! You can create entire documents and slideshows, include images and metrics, and edit your content with a few simple clicks.
How to manually format a reference list entry
If you prefer to create the reference list manually, just make sure that you follow the correct format for APA style.
Format:
Author Last name, First initial. Second initial. (Year, Month and Date of publication). Presentation title: Subtitle [Format]. Source website. URL
Notes:
- If a second initial is unavailable, omit it.
- If the date is unavailable, use (n.d.) which stands for “no date.”
- Format the presentation title in italics and sentence case.
- If there is a subtitle, format it in italics and capitalize the first word. If there is no subtitle, omit it.
- Format the source website in title case.
- If the URL is for a classroom website, intranet, or other location where the audience has access to it, add the name of the website and use the URL for the login page.
Examples:
Smith, A. B. (2019, May 20). How to write a story: Scenes and characters [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/smithab/how-to-write-a-story-scenes-characters
Jones, W. (n.d.). What you need to know about bike safety [PowerPoint slides]. Intranet@XYZ. https://xyz.ourlogin.com/login
Conclusion
Including in-text citations along with a reference list is standard for the APA format. Before you turn in your essay or article, make sure that you properly cite the PowerPoint source. And to make the reference list process simple, remember that Plus AI can create it for you!
FAQs
Do you have to cite a PowerPoint?
Whether an instructor’s materials, fellow student’s slideshow, or a presentation you find online, you must cite the source. This is the case for APA, MLA, Chicago, and other formats. If you’re unsure, play it safe and reference your source.
How to cite an image in PowerPoint APA?
If you’re creating a PowerPoint slideshow using images, illustrations, or photos, you can cite the source below the image as well as include the citation in the reference list. For complete details and instructions, check out our article for how to cite photos in PowerPoint.
How to cite Google Slides in APA?
You would use the same style and adhere to the same notes for a Google Slides citation in APA as PowerPoint. Simply use “Google Slides” as the presentation format instead of “PowerPoint” within the brackets for the reference list.
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