CitePlain
CitePlain: A practical free option for browser-based citations and stable-key BibTeX output. Ranked #7 of 29 in Citation Generator Tools by our editors (8.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free batch citation work with BibTeX output.
At a glance
- Editor score8.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree batch citation work with BibTeX output
- Free planYes
- Paid from$39/yr
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free tier covers six citation styles and six source types
- Batch bibliographies support up to 50 sources
- BibTeX export uses stable cite keys
Where it doesn't
- Cloud synchronization is reserved for Pro plans
- The Free plan uses a device-local browser library
- Word and Google Docs add-ins are shipping soon
Our verdict on CitePlain
CitePlain is a browser-based citation generator for students, researchers, and writers who need references from web pages, journal articles, books, tweets, YouTube videos, and podcasts. It accepts URLs, DOIs, and ISBNs, then produces citations in selected styles. The Free plan includes APA 7, MLA 9, Chicago 17, Vancouver, CSE, and BibTeX, along with a bibliography builder, browser extension, and device-local library. Browser access is available through the web app, with extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
The free offering is unusually capable for batch citation work. Bibliographies can include up to 50 sources, and DOI fallback through Crossref supports identifier-based lookup. BibTeX export with stable cite keys is especially useful for workflows that move references into writing or research tools. Users who need broader style coverage, cloud access, or batch URL import can choose Pro at $4.99 per month or $39 per year. The annual plan includes 30+ citation styles, while the monthly plan includes 24 specialised styles. Both add cloud library synchronization across devices, web, and the browser extension.
The Lifetime plan costs $89 one time and includes everything in Pro forever, with no renewal or expiry; its email is transferable on request. Planned Word and Google Docs add-ins are described as shipping soon, so the current experience centers on the web app and browser extension. CitePlain fits users who want a free browser tool with broad source coverage, batch building, and BibTeX support. Users who require cloud synchronization should choose Pro, while those seeking an installed writing-suite workflow may prefer to wait for the add-ins or consider another tool.
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CitePlain pricing
All 3 CitePlain plans and prices →
CitePlain fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $39/yr |
| Citation style count | Not verified |
| Identifier lookup | Yes |
| URL import | Yes |
| Browser extension | Yes |
| Word add-in | Yes |
| BibTeX export | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Chrome extension |
| Compliance & security | GDPR |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | citeplain.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to CitePlain
- MyBibA full-featured citation tool with free core features and low-cost cross-device storage.9.4
- CiteMeA broad academic citation toolkit with strong imports, but Pro access starts at $2.99 weekly.9.3
- BibcitationA free citation tool with broad style coverage and Word and Google Docs integrations.9.2
See all CitePlain alternatives →
CitePlain vs the competition
- CitePlain vs MyBib
- CitePlain vs CiteMe
- CitePlain vs Bibcitation
- CitePlain vs ZoteroBib
- CitePlain vs CitApp
- CitePlain vs Scribbr Citation Generator
Compare CitePlain with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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