In desktop Word, use References > Insert Citation > Add New Source to record a source and insert its first citation. Word keeps that source available for reuse; use References > Manage Sources to find or edit records, and References > Bibliography to add a formatted references section. The web version has a key limitation: Microsoft says it can preserve an existing bibliography but cannot create one automatically.
How do I add a citation in Word?
These steps apply to the desktop interface covered by Microsoft’s guidance for Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2024, Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word 2016. Menu labels can vary slightly by version.
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Open the References tab and choose the citation Style required by your assignment or publisher. Microsoft lists APA, MLA, Chicago-style, GOST, IEEE, and ISO 690 among the available styles.
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Place the cursor at the end of the sentence or phrase you are citing.
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Select Insert Citation > Add New Source. Choose the source type and enter the bibliographic details. The dialog may offer additional fields for the bibliography.
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Confirm the new source. Word inserts the citation at the cursor and makes the source record available for reuse in the document.
For the documented workflow and style list, see Microsoft’s instructions for adding citations in a Word document.
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How do I reuse a citation or manage sources?
After adding a source record, place the cursor at another citation point and select that record from References > Insert Citation. You do not need to re-enter its details each time.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo view and edit records, open References > Manage Sources. Word separates sources cited in the current document from sources available across documents:
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Current List: sources cited in the open document.
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Master List: sources used across documents.
Search by author or title, or sort by author, title, citation tag name, or year. Select a record and choose Edit to correct or complete its details. You can also select a placeholder in Current List and edit it to fill in missing source information. Microsoft documents these list and editing controls in its citation and source-management guidance.
How do I create or update a bibliography in Word?
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Place the cursor where the references section should appear.
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Choose References > Bibliography, then select the format you need.
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If you add citations after creating the bibliography and a source is missing from it, click inside the bibliography and choose Update Citations and Bibliography.
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Word’s terminology distinguishes a works cited list, which contains sources cited in the document, from a bibliography, which can include sources consulted during research. Follow the assignment’s requested label and scope. Microsoft describes the creation and update process in its bibliography instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What changes in Word for the web or Word for Mac?
Platform matters because the Source Manager steps above describe desktop Word.
| Platform | What Microsoft’s guidance establishes |
|---|---|
| Desktop Word | Support documentation covers adding citations, managing sources, and creating formatted bibliographies. |
| Word for the web | It preserves a bibliography already in the document, but Microsoft says it does not create one automatically. Open the document in desktop Word for automatic bibliography creation. |
| Word for Mac | Microsoft’s guidance says source information can be used to create citations and works cited or bibliography lists. It does not support creating footnotes or endnotes from that source information; use Word’s separate footnote and endnote commands. |
For the web limitation, consult Microsoft’s bibliography guidance. For Mac source handling, see Microsoft’s instructions for adding or changing sources, citations, and bibliographies.
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How do I choose a citation style and check the result?
Use the style specified by your instructor, institution, or publisher; APA, MLA, Chicago-style, GOST, IEEE, and ISO 690 are options Microsoft lists for Word. They are not interchangeable: the selected style controls how Word formats citations and the bibliography.
Check generated entries against the applicable assignment or style requirements before submitting. Microsoft cautions that APA and MLA formats can change, so Word’s output may not reflect every current requirement. Source Manager formats information you enter; it does not replace checking the underlying details or the required style rules.
Are citations the same as footnotes and endnotes?
No. Source Manager citations and bibliography entries are separate from footnotes and endnotes. On Word for Mac, Microsoft specifically says source information can create citations and works cited or bibliography lists, but not footnotes or endnotes; use the separate footnote or endnote commands for those elements.
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