How to Cite an Online Text in MLA

The process of citing an online text in MLA (Modern Language Association) format may seem daunting, but it can be simplified with the right approach. Unlike print sources, online texts require specific elements to be included in the citation, such as the URL. Additionally, the citation style will vary depending on the type of online text you are citing, whether it is an online book, a journal article, or a general website article. However, the fundamentals remain the same, especially for citations of articles from online periodicals.

Basic Format and Web Specifics

The basic format of the citation will be similar to that of print sources, with a minor addition of the URL. Here’s what the details typically include:

For example, citing an article from a magazine or a generic website, your citation might look like this:

Brown, Jane E., and Richard Samuel West. American Periodicals. 17(2): A Victorian Cartoonist in London and New York on JSTOR. 2022,

Note that for online sources, treat the name of the website as if it were a book title, with the first letter of each significant word capitalized.

Examples of MLA Citation

MLA Citation for an Online Journal Article

Here is an example of how an MLA citation for an online journal article would appear:

Work Cited

Ash, Jennifer. “Findings on Equilateral Construction.” Journal of Housing, vol. 101, no. 4, 2013, pp. 2–14, doi:10.1177/0004057420903266.

Note: If the online journal article provides a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) number, use it. If not, the URL can be included instead.

MLA Citation for an Online Book

For an online book, the citation format would be similar, but you would include the title of the book and the platform or website from which it is accessed:

Smith, John. The Journey of Modern Thought. Taylor Francis Online, 2022,

Ensure that you provide the most accurate and relevant information available for the online source.

Using an MLA Citation Generator

Students and researchers who are citing resources may find it helpful to use an MLA citation generator to avoid mistakes. These tools simplify the citation process by allowing you to input the necessary information and generating a properly formatted citation with just a few clicks.

A citation generator can be especially useful for managing the complex requirements of MLA formatting, especially for online sources where exact URLs and access dates are required. Additionally, it can help avoid errors in formulating citations, ensuring that your work is properly credited and presented.

Here is an example of how an MLA citation for an online journal article might look when generated by a tool:

Ash, Jennifer. “Findings on Equilateral Construction.” Journal of Housing, vol. 101, no. 4, 2013, doi:10.1177/0004057420903266.

By using an MLA citation generator, you can save time and ensure the accuracy of your citations. The MLA citation generator makes the whole citation process easier and straightforward, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring proper formatting.

Conclusion and Tips

Citing online texts in MLA format correctly is essential for academic integrity and proper credit to other authors. Ensure that you know the source type accurately and include all the necessary elements. Whether you are citing a book, a journal article, or a website, the principles remain the same, with some minor adjustments for online sources.

Remember to use a reliable MLA citation generator to streamline the process, avoid errors, and ensure that your citations are accurate and follow the latest MLA guidelines. By following these steps, you can confidently cite your online sources and maintain academic excellence in your work.