how to cite powerpoint presentation apa

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Citing Sources in PowerPoint Slides

• PowerPoint - In-text Citations
• PowerPoint - References List

Note:  APA does not have specific rules about the format of PowerPoint slides.  Rasmussen University does have recommended guidelines outlined below and in the attached PPT presentation.

PowerPoint slides  may   need citations, depending on what type of information is included on the slide.

If the text on a slide is a quote (someone else's words, verbatim) or someone else's ideas in the presenter's own words, then a citation is needed.

If the text placed on a slide is simply a word or phrase that represents a topic that the presenter will be discussing in greater detail, then a citation is not needed.

The table below includes two PowerPoint slides (left side). The column on the right tells whether or not the information would need to be cited and why.

Speaker Notes:  Some assignments require text in the Speaker Notes area of the PowerPoint slide. If information from a source is quoted, summarized, or paraphrased in that area, an in-text citation and reference will likely be required. Ask your instructor for clarification.

• Presentations & APA Citation Style at Rasmussen University Great resource to share with students if they are having struggles with APA in PPTs.

PowerPoint Slides - References

There are two ways to include the Reference list in your presentation:

• Coordinating reference lists are typically handed out during or after the presentation either in print if presenting in person, or electronically if presenting online. This is the preferred method of including a Reference list of the sources cited in your slide deck.
• Include a Reference list in the last slide of the presentation. This is an acceptable method if there are not many resources to include. Avoid adding so many resources to the list that the type is not legible to those attending the presentation

Creating the Reference List Slide

• If you use outside sources in your presentation (noted in your in-text citations), you must cite those sources on a References page/slide.
• Your Reference page can be created in NoodleTools, exported to Microsoft Word, and distributed or submitted with your slides to those who attend your presentation. Ask your instructor if they would like a Reference slide as the last slide of your presentation. Note that you may need more than one slide depending on how many references are needed.

See the slide deck below for more information.

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• Last Updated: Feb 27, 2024 2:56 PM
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Home / Guides / Citation Guides / How to Cite Sources / How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA, MLA or Chicago

How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA, MLA or Chicago

Let’s be honest: Sometimes the best information for a paper comes straight from a professor’s PowerPoint presentation. But did you know that source needs to be cited?

Whether you’re making use of your instructor’s lecture materials or pulling information from a Powerpoint found online, you need to make sure to cite your sources if you use information from it in a project or paper.

Here’s a run -t hrough of everything this page includes:  

• Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in MLA format
• Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA format
• Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in Chicago Style

By now, you’re probably familiar with how to cite websites, books or journal articles, but not as knowledgeable about how to cite a Powerpoint presentation. In actuality, citing PowerPoint presentations aren’t all that different from citing written materials, so don’t let yourself be phased! It’s not too hard and compiling an MLA works cited or APA reference page doesn’t take too long—each one should take just a few minutes to create.

To help you with the process, we’ve put together a handy guide demonstrating how to cite a PowerPoint presentation in three commonly used citation styles: MLA, APA and Chicago.

Let’s start by looking for basic information you’ll need for the citation.

Information you may need to cite a PowerPoint Presentation:

• Author or authors of the presentation
• Presentation title
• Date of publication/presentation
• Place of publication/where the presentation was given
• URL (if used to locate the presentation)

Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in MLA format:

MLA format citation structure:

Author Last Name, First Name. Presentation Title. Month Year, URL. PowerPoint Presentation.

Example citation :

Park, Lisa. Effective Working Teams . Jan. 2011, https://www.company.meetings/teams. PowerPoint Presentation.

In-text citation structure:

(Last Name)

Example in-text citation:

Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA format:  

APA reference structure:

Author or Presenter Last Name, Middle Initial. First Initial. (Date of publication). Title of presentation [PowerPoint presentation]. Conference Name, Location. URL

Example reference:

Park, L. (2011, March 24-28). Effective working teams [PowerPoint presentation]. Regional Dairy Workers National Conference, New York, NY, United States. https://www.company.meetings/teams

Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in Chicago Style:

Chicago citation structure:

Author Last Name, First Name. “Presentation Title.” Lecture, Location of Lecture, Month Day, Year.

Example citation:

Park, Lisa. “Effective Working Teams.” Lecture, The Plaza Hotel, New York, NY, January 11, 2011.

Troubleshooting

Solution #1: how to cite a powerpoint that has multiple authors..

For a presentation with multiple authors, list the authors alphabetically by last name for the full reference citation. The citation will list each author by Last Name, First Initial.

If the PowerPoint has just two authors, separate them with a comma and an ampersand (&). If the PowerPoint has more than two authors, list the authors separated by commas.

Reference examples:

Felner, D., & Nguy, A. (2021 April 10-12). The history of Claymation [Slideshow]. Animation Now, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

Felner, D., Nguy, A., Becham, G. (2021 April 10-12). The history of Claymation [Slideshow]. Animation Now, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

For an in-text citation for two authors, give both surnames separated by an ampersand (&) followed by a comma and the year of publication or presentation.

For an in-text citation for three or more authors, list the first author’s surname followed by “et al.” followed by a comma and the year of publication or presentation.

In-text citation examples:

(Felner & Nguy, 2021)

(Felner et al., 2021)

For a PowerPoint with two presenters or authors, include both names in the full works-cited citation. The names need to be written as follows: First presenter’s Last Name, First Name, and then the second presenter’s First Name and Last Name.

For an in-text citation, simply list the surnames of both presenters.

In-text citation example:

(Nguy and Felner)

Work-cited entry example:

Nguy, Anna and Dominic Felner. The History of Claymation. Apr. 2021. PowerPoint Presentation.

For a PowerPoint with three or more presenters, only list one presenter’s name followed by a comma and “et al.”

For an in-text citation for three or more authors or presenters , list the surname given in the full works-cited citation followed by “et al.”

(Nguy et al.)

Nguy, Anna et al. The History of Claymation. Apr. 2021. PowerPoint Presentation.

Solution #2 How to cite a slideshow that wasn’t made with PowerPoint

If making a full works-cited citation for a slideshow that was made with another program other than PowerPoint, include the medium in brackets instead of PowerPoint.

If the presentation is not in PowerPoint, and you can’t determine what software was used, include the word “slideshow” in brackets in place of PowerPoint.

Nguy, A. (2021 April 10-12). The history of Claymation [Prezi presentation]. Animation Now, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

Nguy, A. (2021 April 10-12). The history of Claymation [Slideshow]. Animation Now, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

The in-text citation will be formatted like any other APA in-text citation (author last name, year).

(Nguy, 2021)

At the end of your full works-cited citation, include the program the slideshow was made with, formatted as:  ______ Presentation.

If you are uncertain of the program used, end your citation with “slideshow” followed by a period. Nguy, Anna. The history of Claymation. Apr. 2021. Prezi Presentation. Nguy, Anna. The history of Claymation . Apr. 2021. Slideshow.

The in-text citation will be formatted like any other MLA in-text citation (author last name).

Hello all paper writers! Take a moment to try our spell checker , or refresh your knowledge on English basics with our EasyBib grammar guides ! Discover a determiner definition , learn what is an adverb , review an interjection list , and more.   

Updated April 26, 2021.

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To cite PowerPoint presentation slides, include the author name, year/date of presentation, the title, the source description, the website and/or university name, and the URL where the source can be found.

If the PowerPoint presentation is not accessible to the reader, cite the slides as personal communication.

If you want to cite a PowerPoint in MLA or APA style, you need to have basic information including the name of the author(s), title of the presentation, date and place of publication, and URL. For in-text citations, you need to include only the author name(s) in MLA style and author name(s) and year in APA style.  

APA in-text citations

(Author Surname, publication year)

(Dhanalakshmi, 2004)

MLA in-text citations

(Author Surname)

(Dhanalakshmi)

Citation Basics

Harvard Referencing

Plagiarism Basics

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APA Citation Guide (7th edition) : Powerpoint Presentations

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On this Page

Powerpoint presentations - what do i need to cite, powerpoint presentations - where do my citations go, other digital assignments - where do my citations go, quick rules for an apa reference list.

Your research paper ends with a list of all the sources cited in the text of the paper. Here are nine quick rules for this Reference list.

• Start a new page for your Reference list. Centre the title, References, at the top of the page.
• Double-space the list.
• Start the first line of each reference at the left margin; indent each subsequent line five spaces (a hanging indent).
• Put your list in alphabetical order. Alphabetize the list by the first word in the reference. In most cases, the first word will be the author’s last name. Where the author is unknown, alphabetize by the first word in the title, ignoring the words a, an, the.
• For each author, give the last name followed by a comma and the first (and middle, if listed) initials followed by periods.
• Italicize the titles of these works: books, audiovisual material, internet documents and newspapers, and the title and volume number of journals and magazines.
• Do not italicize titles of most parts of works, such as: articles from newspapers, magazines, or journals / essays, poems, short stories or chapter titles from a book / chapters or sections of an Internet document.
• In titles of non-periodicals (books, videotapes, websites, reports, poems, essays, chapters, etc), capitalize only the first letter of the first word of a title and subtitle, and all proper nouns (names of people, places, organizations, nationalities).
• If a web source (not from the library) is not a stable archived version, or you are unsure whether it is stable, include a statement of the accessed date before the link.

What am I legally required to cite in my digital assignment?

According to the Copyright Act, you must cite the sources (images, videos, books, websites, etc.) that you used in your digital assignment ( 29.21(1)(b) ). You must cite the source (where you got the information from) and the creator of the content (if available). You must also make sure that any copyrighted materials you used in your assignment meet the conditions set out in section  29.21  of the Copyright Act. For a list of conditions and more information, please visit:  http://studentcopyright.wordpress.com/mashups/

What citation style do I use for the sources in my digital assignment?

There is no one required citation style, so please defer to your instructor's directions and citation style preference.

List your sources in a slide at the end of the Powerpoint presentation, with footnotes throughout your presentation as applicable.

You could also provide a print copy of the sources you used to those attending your presentation.

Seneca Libraries has the following recommendations for how to organize your list of sources for digital assignments. Please check with your instructor first:

Videos you create: 

List your sources in a credits screen at the end of the video.

Websites you create:

• For images, include a citation under each image using this format “From: XXXX” and then make the image a link back to the original image ( example  - picture of little girl). Or list the citation at the bottom of the web page.
• For quotes or material from other sources, include an in-text citation that links back to the original material ( example  – second paragraph).

Images you create: 

If possible list your sources at the bottom or side of the image ( example ). Otherwise, include a list of citations alongside the image wherever it’s uploaded (e.g. Flickr, Blackboard).

**Please note that the above are recommendations only and your instructor may have a preference and directions for how and where you list your sources for your assignment.**

If you don't receive specific instructions from your instructor, try to include your citations in a way that doesn't impact the design of your digital assignment.

For more information please contact Seneca Libraries copyright team at  [email protected]

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Formatting a Powerpoint Presentation in APA 7th Style

The apa 7th manual and the apa website do not provide any specific rules about using apa format or citation in powerpoint slides. , here are some recommended guidelines:, 1. you will need in-text citations on a powerpoint slide where you are quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing someone else's ideas. , 2. you also will include a reference list as your powerpoint's last slide (or slides). , 3. always follow any instructions given by your instructors., this youtube video from smart student shows you how to create apa7th in-text citations and a reference list: .

• Citing and Referencing in Powerpoint Presentations | APA 7th Edition This video will show you how to create APA 7th in-text citations and a Reference page for your PowerPoint presentation.
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APA for PowerPoint Presentations

Using powerpoint for beginners.

The APA manual does not have a section on how to format a PowerPoint presentation, but y ou can follow APA style guidelines within your PowerPoint . For example:

• Include the same information on your title slide that you would have on a title page. 
• Include in-text citations for any quote, paraphrase, image, graph, table, data, audio or video file that you use within your presentation. Please note that photographs are considered figures in APA style. 
• The last slide will be your References List. 
• “No citation, permission, or copyright attribution is necessary for clip art from programs like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint” (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020, p. 346).
• Do not reproduce images without permission from the creator or owner of the image. See section 12.15 of the APA manual for more information about this.

Resource: Goodwin University Library. 2019. How to format a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style. Goodwin University.   https://goodwin.libguides.com/apastyle   

• Citing Business Sources in APA Style Brock University's guide to citing business information sources according the the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition. Includes citing sources in presentations
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APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

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This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects APA 6, which is now out of date. It will remain online until 2021, but will not be updated. The equivalent APA 7 page can be found here .

Media File: APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

This resource is enhanced by a PowerPoint file. If you have a Microsoft Account, you can view this file with   PowerPoint Online .

Select the APA PowerPoint Presentation link above to download slides that provide a detailed review of the APA citation style.

Generate accurate APA citations for free

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Citing PowerPoints in APA (6th Edition) | Format & Examples

Published on November 6, 2020 by Koen Driessen . Revised on November 30, 2020.

Table of contents

Slides are only available via: blackboard, n@tschool, moodle, magister etc., slides publicly accessible.

When the slides are part of a digital study database, you can just add a footnote in which you make clear that the source is only accessible via the digital study database.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Is the source publicly accessible, then the reference according to the APA Style is the same as for a normal internet source .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Driessen, K. (2020, November 30). Citing PowerPoints in APA (6th Edition) | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/6th-edition/archived-lecture-slides-handouts/

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Koen Driessen

Scribbr apa citation checker.

An innovative new tool that checks your APA citations with AI software. Say goodbye to inaccurate citations!

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How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA

• 5-minute read
• 24th November 2023

If you want to use information from a PowerPoint presentation in your essay, you’ll need to cite it properly to get the marks you deserve . In this post, we’ll show you how to do that in line with the referencing system of the American Psychological Association (APA), using the 7th edition.

When to Cite the PowerPoint

First, a word of caution: If the information you want to cite from the PowerPoint originally comes from another source – if, for example, it is a quote from a book – you need to follow the guidance for citing that source type .

If the PowerPoint itself is the original source of the information you want to cite, you need to follow the guidance in this post.

Where to Cite the PowerPoint

In APA style, you’ll need to cite the PowerPoint in the text and, in some cases, include it in the reference list at the end of your essay. Let’s look at each of those in turn and see why sometimes the presentation has no place in the reference list.

In-Text Citation

APA uses an author–date style for in-text citations (those that appear in the body of your essay). But for PowerPoints, an added consideration will determine whether details other than the name of the author and the year of the presentation are needed: does your audience have access to the PowerPoint?

If Your Audience Has Access to the PowerPoint

• For a parenthetical citation , you’ll need to include the author’s surname and the year in parentheses, like this:

(Carter, 2023)

• For a narrative citation , you’ll need to include the year in parentheses immediately after naming the author in the text, like this:

Carter (2023)

If Your Audience Does Not Have Access to the PowerPoint

If your audience does not have access to the PowerPoint, it is effectively a personal communication . Therefore, you’ll need to follow the same system used for other such communications, a process that will involve more detail, as described below.

• For a parenthetical citation , you’ll need to give the author’s initial(s) and surname, the phrase personal communication , and as precise a date as possible. It should look something like this:

(D. Carter, personal communication, February 21, 2023)

• For a narrative citation , you’ll need to write the phrase personal communication and the date of the presentation in parentheses after the author’s name, like this:

D. Carter (personal communication, February 21, 2023)

If You’re Quoting Directly From the PowerPoint

To include a direct quote from a written source, you would include a page number. The equivalent for a PowerPoint presentation is to include the slide number after the year, like this:

(Carter, 2023, slide 6)

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Carter (2023, slide 6)

Reference List

When it comes to whether and how to include the PowerPoint in your reference list , the crucial question, again, is whether your audience will have access to it. There are three possibilities, which we’ll look at in turn.

PowerPoint Slides Available Online to Anyone

If the PowerPoint you wish to cite is freely available online, then you’ll need to follow this basic format:

Author Surname, First Initial. (Year). Title of presentation [PowerPoint slides]. Host Site. URL

PowerPoint Slides Available Online With Log-In

If the PowerPoint you wish to cite is, for example, on a classroom website and can be accessed by your audience using a log-in, then you’ll need to follow this basic format:

Author Surname, First Initial. (Year). Title of presentation [PowerPoint slides]. Site Name. URL

Because the site requires the user to log in, you’ll need to make sure the URL links to the login page.

PowerPoint Slides Not Available to Your Audience

If you cited the PowerPoint as a personal communication , it will not be available to your audience. Remember that the purpose of the reference list is to allow your audience to find the same source. If they can’t access it, don’t include it.

Following this guidance, you should be able to cite a PowerPoint in APA style confidently. Remember to ask yourself the following:

• If so, follow the guidance in this post to cite the PowerPoint itself.
• If not, follow the separate guidance for how to cite the original source of the information.
• If so, provide an in-text citation and include the source in your reference list .
• If not, include additional detail in the in-text citation and don’t put the source in your reference list.

If you’re still getting in a muddle over citations and referencing or if you would simply like the peace of mind that comes with having them checked by an expert, we have skilled proofreaders available 24-7 who can help. You can even try out our services for free .

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APA 7th Edition Citation Examples

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Format for PowerPoint presentations

How to format your powerpoint in apa style.

• AI: ChatGPT, etc.

Author last name, first initial. (Date). Title of the PowerPoint  [PowerPoint slides]. Host site. URL

Thomes, C. (n.d.). UMGC Library APA citation basics [PowerPoint slides]. University of Maryland Global Campus. https://libguides.umgc.edu/ld.php?content_id=68264148

In-text citation:

(Thomes, n.d.)

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How to Cite a Powerpoint in APA Format

Students may find useful sources prepared in slideshow format, like in PowerPoint or Prezi. Lectures, meeting notes, and other primary sources can be found in these presentations. Just like with any other source, you must cite PowerPoint presentations correctly in your APA 7 reference list. Learn how to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA.

PowerPoint Slideshow APA Citation

While citing lectures, meeting notes, or other slideshow presentations, follow the standard APA 7 author/date citation format . State the author, date, and title of the presentation. Then, within brackets, place the format, such as [PowerPoint slides] or [ Prezi slideshow presentation].

If the presentation is accessible online, include the link . Often the lecturer will post slideshows on the school’s website.

Citation Format

Author, A. A. (year of publication).  Title of presentation [PowerPoint slides]. Publisher. URL or DOI

Tenten, B. A. (2018). Outlining your APA research paper: An overview [PowerPoint slides]. Canvas@FNU. http://www.xxx.edu/ppt/xxxx

In-Text Citation Example

When you refer to a piece of information in the slideshow presentation, include the slide number.

Example of Direct Quotation

(Jones, 2014, slide 4)

Example of Paraphrase

(Jones, 2014)

Training Program PowerPoint Citation

Refer to these examples for how to cite a training program PowerPoint in APA format.

Training Program PowerPoint Reference List Example

Ramirez, L. (2010). Hospice volunteer training program  [PowerPoint slides]. Hospice. http://www.hospice/teams

Training Program PowerPoint – In-Text Quotation

(Ramirez, 2010, slide 9)

Training Program PowerPoint – In-Text Paraphrase

(Ramirez, 2010)

Training Program PowerPoint Reference List Example 2

Bonusly. (2016). 10 dead simple ways to improve your company culture [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/Bonusly/10-dead-simple-ways-to-improve-your-company-culture

Training Program PowerPoint 2 – In-Text Quotation

(Bonusly, 2016, slide 2)

Training Program PowerPoint 2 – In-Text Paraphrase

(Bonusly, 2016)

Lecture PowerPoint Citation

Citing lecture PowerPoint presentations works in much the same way.

Lecture PowerPoint Citation Reference List Example

Romero, C. (2013). A tour of the cell  [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/dalicano/06-cell-text-25594569

Lecture PowerPoint Citation – In-Text Quotation

(Romero, 2013, slide 5)

Lecture PowerPoint Citation – In-Text Paraphrase

(Romero, 2013)

Lecture PowerPoint Citation Reference List Example 2

Romero, C. (2014). Membrane structure and function  [PowerPoint slides]. Pearson Education.

Lecture PowerPoint Citation 2 – In-Text Quotation

(Romero, 2014, slide 8)

Lecture PowerPoint Citation 2 – In-Text Paraphrase

(Romero, 2014)

Lecture PowerPoint Citation Reference List Example 3

Johnson, A. (2010). Online database searching strategies  [PowerPoint slides]. San Jose State University. Classroom lecture.

Lecture PowerPoint Citation 3 – In-Text Quotation

(Johnson, 2010, slide 3)

Lecture PowerPoint Citation 3 – In-Text Paraphrase

(Johnson, 2010)

Meeting PowerPoint Citation 

When utilizing a PowerPoint presentation from a meeting, cite the source as follows.

Meeting PowerPoint Reference List Example

Lyman, J. (2016). Death and dying  [PowerPoint slides]. WeCare Hospice Services.

Meeting PowerPoint – In-Text Quotation

(Lyman, 2016, slide 4)

Meeting PowerPoint – In-Text Paraphrase

(Lyman, 2016)

Conference PowerPoint Citation 

PowerPoint presentations are common during conferences too. Cite them accordingly.

Conference PowerPoint Reference List Example

Das, S. (2017). Taming the ever-evolving compliance beast: Lessons learnt at LinkedIn [PowerPoint slides]. Strata, NYC. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/ShirshankaDas/taming-the-everevolving-compliance-beast-lessons-learnt-at-linkedin-strata-nyc-2017

Conference PowerPoint – In-Text Quotation

(Das, 2017, slide 10)

Conference PowerPoint – In-Text Paraphrase

(Das, 2017)

Conference PowerPoint Reference List Example 2

O’Reily, T. (2017). WTF: Why the future is up to us  [PowerPoint slides]. G20/OECD Conference.

Conference PowerPoint 2 – In-Text Quotation

(O’Reily, 2017, slide 14)

Conference PowerPoint 2 – In-Text Paraphrase

(O’Reily, 2017)

Conference PowerPoint Reference List Example 3

Smith, C. (2017). A1 and machine learning demystified  [PowerPoint slides]. Midwest UX 2017.

Conference PowerPoint 3 – In-Text Quotation

(Smith, 2017, slide 2)

Conference PowerPoint 3 – In-Text Paraphrase

(Smith, 2017)

• Lectures are primary sources.
• Do not add a period after the URL.
• Include the type of presentation software, if available.
• Include as much source data as possible.

Guide Your Reader

Remember, one of the APA citations’ purposes is to guide your reader to the same source you used. As such, it’s important to provide as much information as you can within your citation, following APA citation style guidelines.

Arranging Your APA Reference List

FAQ How to Cite a Powerpoint in APA Format

How do you in text cite a powerpoint in apa.

To cite a PowerPoint in text in APA, you include the author and date of the PowerPoint when you are paraphrasing. To make a direct in text citation of a PowerPoint in APA, you include the author, date, and slide number. (Johnson, 2020, slide 4)

How do you cite a professor's PowerPoint in APA?

To cite a professor's PowerPoint in APA, you include the author, publication year, title, [PowerPoint slides], publisher, and URL. A citation of a professor's PowerPoint slide example looks like: Johnson, C. (2020). Literature in retrospect [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/johnson/literature

How do you cite a presentation in APA?

To cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA, you include the author, date, title, [PowerPoint slides], location, publisher, and URL. An example of a presentation in APA from a PowerPoint looks like: Bailey, S. (2017). Taming the Facebook market [PowerPoint slides]. Strata, NYC. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/Bailey/taming-the-facebook-market/2017

How do I cite an online lecture in APA?

To cite an online lecture PowerPoint in APA, include the author, date, title, descriptor, publisher, and URL. You do not include a period after the URL. In action, an APA PowerPoint lecture online follows this format: Smith, C. (2020). A look at the psychology of death [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/smith/psychology-of-death

How do I cite an online lesson in APA?

The citation for an online lesson in APA of a PowerPoint follows an online lecture format in PowerPoint. Therefore, you include the author, date, title, descriptor, publisher, and URL, if available. An example of an online lesson in action follows the format: Daren, C. (2020). Death in theory [PowerPoint slides]. The University of San Francisco.

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Format an APA PowerPoint Reference Slide

How is the reference list arranged in apa, citing of six or more multiple authors in apa, apa block quote format.

How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA 7?

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💡 Before we show you how to cite a PowerPoint in APA, we would like to tell you that all examples and explanations are about APA 7th edition .

In your PowerPoint presentation, you’re going to use a combination of texts and images to present information. You’ll need to cite the sources for these documents and media so your audience knows where to find out more about the topic.

This way, you will both adhere to the rules of using copyrighted information and show that your knowledge on the topic is well researched and you have spent time finding the resources.

What we will discuss in this article is the APA standard and how to make a proper PowerPoint citation in APA standard. Let’s dig deep.

Article Overview: 1. What is Apa? 2. Why do people use APA as a standard? 3. How to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA? 4. How to Cite a Picture in PowerPoint?

1. What is APA?

APA is one of the most popular and widely used styles for writing research papers. This style of writing citations and citing sources is used in most social sciences – mainly psychology, sociology, and education. The acronym comes from A merican P sychological A ssociation. You can check APA’s website for more information .

2. Why do people use APA as a standard?

Before we tell you how to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA style, we need to clarify the main reason why people use this style. As the most common standard, it is widely accepted around the world, and the manuals have been sold millions of times.

What makes the APA citation style so popular among educational institutions is that it gives “weight” to the documents that are being examined. Adding the sources and using the right way to present the sources could greatly influence the credibility of any thesis or PowerPoint presentation.

3. How to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA?

There aren’t one or two ways to cite a Powerpoint presentation in APA. Why? Because there are different conditions that can affect the accessibility of the original source. Let’s see some of the most common occasions in citing PowerPoint presentations in APA style.

3.1. Citing a PowerPoint in APA – Accessible Documents

This is probably the best-case scenario for citations, as your readers will have access to the information, thus they can easily find the original source. Bear in mind you should not include PowerPoint presentations in the reference list if your audience cannot access them.

3.1.1. Citing in PowerPoint from public sites

When you have the source and it is an available webpage, you will have to link directly to the original source.

N.B.  You should always  cite the original source. If you have found a piece of statistics somewhere – let’s say a WeForum article , it is not the original source, thus you cannot refer to information that has not been published by the author.

3.1.2. Citing PowerPoints on password-protected portals

When it comes to citing from a university or other password-protected website, you should refer to the login page, as a direct link will lead to it. Let’s see an example I’ve made up myself.

N.B.  Sometimes, there is no author mentioned. In such cases, we proceed in two ways:

• If there is no author, but an organization that is behind the source:

What we have done is we have replaced the author’s name with the name of the organization that has published the report.

• If there is an unknown author.

In case there’s an unknown author, we replace their name with the title.

3.2. Citing a PowerPoint in APA – Inaccessible Documents

In case your PowerPoint slide is inaccessible to readers, then you have the option to cite the source as personal communication. Let’s see how this happens.

During the presentation, Peterson made a prediction that low-fare airlines will become dominant by 2030 (personal communication, June 3, 2022).

You can add personal communication citations in parentheses somewhere in the text but not in the reference list, as the original source cannot be directly tracked.

3.3. Citing a PowerPoint Slide

Sometimes, a slide during a presentation makes a great impression and you want to add it to your sources. When this happens, it’s better to cite the original source, rather than the PowerPoint slide itself, because of the requirements we discussed in 3.1.1.

4. How to Cite a Picture in PowerPoint?

If you want to learn how to cite a picture in PowerPoint in APA format, then you should apply some different techniques. What you need to do first is to have a very detailed look at the terms and conditions of the original image. Some images require attribution while others don’t.

Once you insert the image, you need to then create a new text box, align it at the center and write the following:

Figure 1. Image Description. Adapted from SOURCE . Retrieved from  SOURCE LINK.  Copyright by  COMPANY NAME COPYRIGHTS  (located at the bottom).

Let’s see how it’s done in practice.

Figure 1. Carbon Footprint and Renewable Energy. Adapted from GraphicMama. Retrieved from https://graphicmama.com/design-bundle/infographic-template-collection#flat-tree-vector-ecology-infographic-template. Copyright by © 2022 GraphicMama.com

Learning how to cite a PowerPoint presentation correctly is crucial if you are submitting your thesis or working on a serious project. The APA style has specific rules that should be followed for your presentations or paper dissertations to look formatted and credible.

If you found our content useful, why don’t you check some of our other tutorials related to PowerPoint and presentations in general:

• 10 Practical Tips to Grab Attention and Make an Impact in Your PowerPoint Presentation
• How to Add Audio to PowerPoint: The Quick Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Get Started with PowerPoint + Guide and Resources

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Nikolay Kaloyanov

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APA Style Formatting in PowerPoint

by Purdue Global Academic Success Center and Writing Center · Published October 9, 2020 · Updated October 9, 2020

We all know the challenges of following APA Style when writing a paper using Microsoft Word, but those challenges often become greater when applying the formatting guidelines to other software. 

In the following video, Purdue Global Learning and Development Specialist, Chrissine Cairns, demonstrates how to format a PowerPoint applying APA Style (7th Edition) to a title slide; body slides using bullet points, figures, tables, and copyright statements; and a reference list with hanging indentations.

Until next week–

Kurtis Clements

Visit the APA Style Formatting in PowerPoint webpage here.

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How to Cite in PowerPoint Apa

If you’re a student or a professional, you likely understand the importance of giving credit where credit is due. When creating a PowerPoint presentation, it’s essential to cite your sources in the correct format to demonstrate your academic or research credibility and integrity. APA (American Psychological Association) citation style is widely used in many academic and professional fields, and in this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to cite in PowerPoint APA.

Table of Contents

Understanding the APA Citation Style

APA citation style is a set of rules for formatting and referencing sources in academic and research writing. APA style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and business fields. APA style has specific guidelines for formatting in-text citations, references, and more, making it a highly structured and detailed citation style.

One of the key features of APA citation style is the use of author-date citation format in in-text citations. This means that the author’s last name and the year of publication are included in parentheses after the cited information. Additionally, APA style requires a reference list at the end of the document, which includes all sources cited in the text. The reference list must be formatted according to specific guidelines, including the use of hanging indents and italics for book and journal titles. Understanding and correctly applying APA citation style is essential for academic and research writing in many fields.

How to Format Citations in PowerPoint Using APA Style

When citing within a PowerPoint slide using APA style, you’ll use the same rules as when citing in a research paper or other academic assignment. You’ll need to include in-text citations that provide the author’s name and the year of publication in parentheses, like this: (Jones, 2018). In your reference list, you’ll need to include full publication information, including the author’s name, publication year, title, and publication information.

It’s important to note that when citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation, you should avoid using footnotes or endnotes. Instead, include all necessary information within the text or in the reference list. Additionally, if you are citing a source that has multiple authors, you should list all of their names in the in-text citation, up to and including seven authors. For sources with more than 20 authors, list the first author’s name, followed by ‘et al.’

Another important aspect of formatting citations in PowerPoint using APA style is to ensure that your reference list is properly formatted. The reference list should be alphabetized by the author’s last name, and each entry should be formatted with a hanging indent. Additionally, make sure that you include all necessary information for each source, including the DOI or URL if applicable. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your PowerPoint presentation is properly formatted and meets the requirements of APA style.

Inserting In-Text Citations in PowerPoint Slides

In PowerPoint slides, you may find it challenging to include in-text citations in a way that’s both clear and unobtrusive. One way to do this is to add the citation directly on the slide, either in parentheses or as a superscript. Make sure to format these citations according to APA style guidelines.

Adding References to Your PowerPoint Presentation

Your reference slide should include full publication information for every source you cited in your presentation. This slide should be formatted according to APA style guidelines, which typically includes a hanging indent and alphabetized by author’s last name. Make sure to double-check your references for accuracy, including correct formatting and full publication information.

It is important to note that in addition to including your references on a separate slide, you should also cite your sources within the body of your presentation. This helps to give credit to the original author and also adds credibility to your own work. When citing within your presentation, be sure to include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses. If you are directly quoting the source, you should also include the page number. By including both in-text citations and a reference slide, you are demonstrating your thorough research and attention to detail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Citing in PowerPoint APA

One common mistake when citing in PowerPoint APA is failing to include in-text citations or references altogether. This can lead to accusations of plagiarism and can hurt your academic or professional credibility. Other mistakes to avoid include formatting errors and incorrect publication information. Make sure to double-check your citations for accuracy and formatting before finalizing your presentation.

Another common mistake to avoid when citing in PowerPoint APA is using too many direct quotes. While it is important to include quotes to support your argument, overusing them can make it seem like you are not adding any original thoughts or ideas to the presentation. Instead, try to paraphrase the information in your own words and only use direct quotes when necessary.

It is also important to remember that citing sources in PowerPoint APA is not just about avoiding plagiarism, but also about giving credit where credit is due. By properly citing your sources, you are acknowledging the work of others and showing that you have done your research. This can help to establish your credibility and expertise on the topic at hand.

Ensuring Accuracy in Your Citations Using APA Style Guide

To ensure accuracy in your citations when using APA style, it’s essential to refer to the official APA style guide. This guide provides detailed rules and examples of how to format in-text citations, references, and more. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are both accurate and consistent with APA style guidelines.

One important aspect of using APA style is to ensure that you are citing all sources used in your research. This includes not only books and journal articles but also websites, interviews, and other sources. By citing all sources, you give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.

Another important consideration when using APA style is to be consistent in your formatting. This means using the same style for all citations and references throughout your paper. Inconsistencies in formatting can make your paper appear unprofessional and can also make it difficult for readers to locate the sources you used.

Tips and Tricks for Citing Sources Within PowerPoint Presentations

When citing sources within a PowerPoint presentation, it’s essential to balance clarity with impact. Avoid cluttering your slides with too many citations, but make sure to include enough information to give credit and support your argument. Use proper formatting, including APA style guidelines, to ensure that your citations are clear and accurate.

Another important tip for citing sources within PowerPoint presentations is to make sure that you are using reliable sources. It’s important to do your research and ensure that the sources you are citing are credible and trustworthy. Additionally, consider using visuals such as graphs or charts to display your data and information, rather than relying solely on text. This can help to make your presentation more engaging and impactful, while still giving credit to your sources.

Customizing Apa Citation Styles in PowerPoint

Customizing APA citation styles in PowerPoint can be challenging, but it’s possible with a little know-how. You can use the Slide Master feature to create custom layouts and citation styles that are consistent throughout your presentation. You can also use third-party citation tools and add-ins to create custom APA style citations more easily.

Another useful tip for customizing APA citation styles in PowerPoint is to use the “Format Painter” tool. This tool allows you to copy the formatting of one citation and apply it to another, saving you time and ensuring consistency in your presentation. Additionally, it’s important to double-check your citations for accuracy and completeness, as errors can negatively impact the credibility of your presentation.

The Importance of Proper Citations and Attribution in PowerPoint Presentations

Proper citations and attribution are essential in PowerPoint presentations to demonstrate academic and research credibility and avoid accusations of plagiarism. By citing sources correctly using APA style guidelines and ensuring the accuracy of your citations, you can demonstrate your professionalism and expertise in your field.

In addition to demonstrating credibility and avoiding plagiarism, proper citations and attribution also allow your audience to easily access and verify the information you are presenting. This can be especially important in academic or professional settings where accuracy and accountability are highly valued. By providing clear and accurate citations, you are also contributing to the larger academic community by allowing others to build upon and expand upon your research.

Step-by-Step Guide to Citing in PowerPoint Using Apa Style

To cite in PowerPoint using APA style, follow these steps:

• 1. Determine the source of your reference.
• 2. Create an in-text citation and include it in the slide either in parentheses or as a superscript.
• 3. Create a reference slide at the end of your presentation and include full publication information for every source you cited.
• 4. Ensure that all citations and references are formatted correctly according to APA style guidelines.
• 5. Double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency before finalizing your presentation.

Using Online Tools for APA Citation Generation in PowerPoint

There are many online tools available to help generate APA citations directly within PowerPoint presentations. These tools can be useful for saving time and ensuring accuracy in your citations. However, it’s still important to double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency with APA style guidelines.

Best Practices for Including Citations and References in Your PowerPoint Slides

To ensure that your citations and references are clear and accurate, it’s important to follow some best practices, including:

• 1. Include in-text citations to give credit and support your argument.
• 2. Use proper formatting, including APA style guidelines, to ensure that your citations are clear and accurate.
• 3. Create a reference slide that includes full publication information for every source you cited in your presentation.
• 4. Double-check your citations and references for accuracy and consistency with APA style guidelines.

Exploring the Difference Between Citing Within a Presentation Versus a Research Paper

When citing within a PowerPoint presentation versus a research paper, the key difference is in formatting and presentation. In a presentation, your citations need to be clear and concise, and may be less formal than those in a research paper. However, the same rules for accuracy and consistency with APA style guidelines still apply.

Understanding the Role of Citations for Academic Integrity and Credibility

Citations are essential for demonstrating academic and research credibility and avoiding accusations of plagiarism. By citing sources correctly using APA style guidelines and ensuring the accuracy of your citations, you can demonstrate your professionalism and expertise in your field.

We hope this article has helped you better understand how to cite in PowerPoint APA. By following APA style guidelines and our best practices, you can ensure that your citations are accurate, clear, and professional.

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