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APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

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Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Media File: APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

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

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  • How to cite a PowerPoint in APA Style

How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA Style | Format & Examples

Published on November 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 27, 2023.

To reference a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style , include the name of the author (whoever presented the PowerPoint), the date it was presented, the title (italicized), “PowerPoint slides” in square brackets, the name of the department and university, and the URL where the PowerPoint can be found.

You can also use our free  APA Citation Generator to cite a PowerPoint presentation quickly and easily.

APA format Author name, Initials. (Year, Month Day). [PowerPoint slides]. Department Name, University Name. URL
Simonton, D. K. (2013). [PowerPoint slides]. College of Education, University of Iowa. https://simonton.faculty.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/243/2015/08/IowaDeltaMadGenius.pdf
(Simonton, 2013)

Table of contents

Citing a powerpoint your readers can access, citing a powerpoint your readers can’t access, citing information quoted in a powerpoint, frequently asked questions about apa style citations.

PowerPoint presentations should only be included in the reference list if your reader can access them for themselves.

PowerPoints on password-protected platforms

A login is often required to access a file on your university’s LMS (e.g. Blackboard, Canvas). In these cases, the URL included should be the login page rather than the specific location of the PowerPoint.

Johnson, F. (2018, September 20). [PowerPoint slides]. Faculty of Classics, Oxford University. https://login.canvas.ox.ac.uk/
(Johnson, 2018)

PowerPoints on public sites

With slides that are available on a public site, rather than from your university, replace the department and university name with the name of the website.

Familian, S. (2017, February 17). [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/sfamilian/visual-design-with-data-feb-2017/10-WHATS_GOOD_DATA_DESIGNROLLEDUP10NINJA_TIPPivot
(Familian, 2017)

The same format can be used for other kinds of slides or lecture notes. Just replace “PowerPoint slides” with an appropriate description.

Scribbr. (2020). [Google Slides]. Google Drive. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19wGvksFKwvVEkxyyqpNqPp6sQzga96d3tt85xvqUqhU/view
(Scribbr, 2020)

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how to cite apa style in a powerpoint presentation

If your readers won’t be able to access the PowerPoint you want to cite, it should instead be cited as a personal communication .

This often depends on who will be reading your paper. For example:

  • If you’re writing a paper for class, and you want to cite a PowerPoint that’s available on your university’s Blackboard site, you can use the standard format, because your teacher can access the slides.
  • If you want to cite the same PowerPoint in a paper you’re submitting to a journal, you’ll have to cite it as a personal communication, because the journal’s readers can’t access it.

Personal communications are not included in the reference list; just mention them in parentheses in the text.

If a lecturer included an interesting quote or statistic in their slides that you want to cite, it’s best to find the original source rather than citing the PowerPoint itself.

This allows both you and the reader to see the information in context. Only cite second-hand information from a PowerPoint if you’re unable to access the original source.

The source of the information will generally be listed in the PowerPoint itself or on a handout. With this, you can locate the original source online or at your university’s library. If the source isn’t stated in the presentation, try asking the lecturer for more information.

When no individual author name is listed, but the source can clearly be attributed to a specific organization—e.g., a press release by a charity, a report by an agency, or a page from a company’s website—use the organization’s name as the author in the reference entry and APA in-text citations .

When no author at all can be determined—e.g. a collaboratively edited wiki or an online article published anonymously—use the title in place of the author. In the in-text citation, put the title in quotation marks if it appears in plain text in the reference list, and in italics if it appears in italics in the reference list. Shorten it if necessary.

When you quote or paraphrase a specific passage from a source, you need to indicate the location of the passage in your APA in-text citation . If there are no page numbers (e.g. when citing a website ) but the text is long, you can instead use section headings, paragraph numbers, or a combination of the two:

(Caulfield, 2019, Linking section, para. 1).

Section headings can be shortened if necessary. Kindle location numbers should not be used in ebook citations , as they are unreliable.

If you are referring to the source as a whole, it’s not necessary to include a page number or other marker.

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.

Caulfield, J. (2023, December 27). How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA Style | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-examples/powerpoint-slides/

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APA Formatting and Style (7th ed.)

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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. always follow any specific instructions given by your instructor., 2. you will need in-text citations on a powerpoint slide where you are quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing someone else's ideas. , 3. you also will include a reference list as your powerpoint's last slide (or slides). , 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 Citation Guide (7th edition) : Powerpoint Presentations

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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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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.

Author Surname, X. Y. (Year, Month Day). [PowerPoint slides]. Publisher. URL
Note: When you have more than one author, separate them with a comma and add an ampersand before the last author with a comma.
Aarons, J. (2012, May 4). [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. https://www.worthschools.net/userfiles/308/Classes/1781/3-5%20Physics%20Elec%20%20Mag.pptx
(Author Surname, year)

(Aarons, 2012)

Author Surname (year)

Aarons (2012)

Note: If you are referring to specific content from the slide, mention the slide number in the citation, for example, (Author Surname, year, slide 2).

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

Author Surname, First Name “Title of the Presentation.” Website, Day Month Year, URL. Medium.
Aarons, James. “Electricity and Magnetism.” 4 May 2012, https://www.worthschools.net/userfiles/308/Classes/1781/3-5%20Physics%20Elec%20%20Mag.pptx. Slideshow.
…(Author Surname)

…Aarons

Author Surname…

Aarons…

Note: If you are referring to specific content from the slide, mention the slide number in the citation, for example, (Author Surname, slide 2).

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)

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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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In-Text Citation or Reference List?

Handouts distributed in class and presentation slides such as PowerPoint should be cited both in-text and on the Reference list.

Your own notes from lectures are considered personal communications in APA style. They are cited within the text of your assignment, but do not get an entry on the Reference list.

Presentation Slides from a Website

Author, A. A. (Year, Month Date). Title of presentation  [Lecture notes, PowerPoint Slides, etc.]. Publisher. URL

Kunka, J. L. (n.d.). Conquering the comma [PowerPoint presentation]. Purdue Online Writing Lab. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/pp/index.html#presentations

Presentation Slides from WebCampus (Canvas)

Instructor, I. I. (Year Presentation Was Created).  Title of presentation  [PowerPoint presentation]. WebCampus. URL

Graham, J. (2013).  Introduction: Jean Watson  [PowerPoint presentation]. WebCampus. https://unr.instructure.com/login/canvas

Note : The first letter of the word Watson is capitalized as it is part of a person's name.

Class Handouts from WebCampus (Canvas)

Instructor, I. I. (Year Handout Was Created if known).  Title of handout  [Class handout]. WebCampus. URL

Magowan , A. (2013).  Career resources at the library   [Class handout]. WebCampus. https://unr.instructure.com/login/canvas

Class Handout in Print

Instructor, I. I. (Year Handout Was Created if known).  Title of handout  [Class handout]. University Name, Course code.

Wood, D. (2013).  Laboratory safety overview  [Class handout]. University of Nevada, Reno,  BIO173.

Class Lectures (Notes from)

Note : Your own notes from a lecture are considered personal communications in APA style. They are cited within the text of your assignment, but do not get an entry on the Reference list. Put the citation right after a quote or paraphrased content from the class lecture.

(I. I. Instructor who gave lecture, personal communication, Month Day, Year lecture took place)

"Infections are often contracted while patients are recovering in the hospital" (J. D. Black, personal communication, May 30, 2012).

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Slide Shows

There are no official instructions for formatting a PowerPoint presentation or slideshow in the APA style. However, most colleges/universities, professionals, and educators follow the general guidelines for formatting their slideshows in the APA style:

  • Include an in-text citation for every slide in which you paraphrase, quote, or summarize information from one of your sources: (Author, year). Place this citation in the bottom right corner of your slides.
  • Include a references slide(s) at the end using the same format as an APA-formatted references page.

See the examples below.  Use the arrows to move through the slides.

Example of an APA in-text citation for a PowerPoint slide.

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How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation

Last Updated: January 16, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 67,651 times.

PowerPoint presentations often convey a lot of information in a brief format that's easy to understand. For this reason, they also make excellent sources for a research paper — especially if you're writing on a complex, cutting-edge topic. But how should you cite your source? The elements included in your citation are generally the same as those you would use for any other lecture or presentation. Your specific format will vary, though, depending on whether you're using the Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), or Chicago citation style.

Step 1 Start your Works Cited entry with the name of the presenter.

  • Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth.

Step 2 Add the title of the presentation in quotation marks.

  • Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth. "CPT S 317: Automata and Formal Languages."

Step 3 Include the date of the presentation and name of the sponsoring organization.

  • Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth. "CPT S 317: Automata and Formal Languages." 2017. School of EECS, Washington State University, Pullman.

Step 4 Identify the source as a PowerPoint presentation.

  • Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth. "CPT S 317: Automata and Formal Languages." 2017. School of EECS, Washington State University, Pullman. Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.

Step 5 Provide a direct URL if the presentation is available online.

  • Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth. "CPT S 317: Automata and Formal Languages." 2017. School of EECS, Washington State University, Pullman. Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. eecs.wsu.edu/~ananth/CptS317/Lectures/Course.pdf.

Step 6 Include the presenter's name and slide number for in-text citations.

  • For example, you might write: One of the objectives of the course is to introduce automata theory and the theory of computation (Kalyanaraman slide 3).

Step 1 Use only an in-text citation if the presentation isn't available online.

  • The basic format for a personal communication in-text citation is as follows: (A. Lastname, personal communication, Month day, year).

Step 2 Start your Reference List entry with the name of the presenter.

  • Example: Braun, M.

Step 3 List the date for the presentation.

  • Example: Braun, M. (2020).

Step 4 Add the title of the presentation and the format.

  • Example: Braun, M. (2020). Diseases of the nervous system [PowerPoint slides].

Step 5 Provide the direct URL for the PowerPoint presentation.

  • Example: Braun, M. (2020). Diseases of the nervous system [PowerPoint slides]. http://medsci.indiana.edu/c602web/602/c602web/opt/braun/Diseases_NervousSystem.pdf

Step 6 Include the presenter's last name and the year for in-text citations.

  • For example, you might write: A subdural hemorrhage is a rotational injury that causes slow bleeding (Braun, 2020).
  • If you use the presenter's name in the text of your paper, add a parenthetical immediately after the name with the year for the presentation. For example, you might write: Braun (2020) differentiates between different types of brain hemorrhages, which require different treatment.
  • If you quote directly from the presentation, add the slide number after the year. For example, you might write: According to Braun (2020, slide 3), the "accumulation of junk" in the central nervous system can lead to problems.

Step 1 Start your Bibliography entry with the presenter's name.

  • Example: Damodaran, Aswath.

Step 2 Add the title of the presentation in quotation marks.

  • Example: Damodaran, Aswath. "Intrinsic Valuation."

Step 3 Include the format, location, and date for the presentation.

  • Example: Damodaran, Aswath. "Intrinsic Valuation." PowerPoint presentation, Equity Instruments, NYU Stern School of Business, New York, NY, January 2020.

Step 4 Close your entry with a direct URL for the presentation.

  • Example: Damodaran, Aswath. "Intrinsic Valuation." PowerPoint presentation, Equity Instruments, NYU Stern School of Business, New York, NY, January 2020. http://people.stern.nyu.edu/adamodar/pdfiles/eqnotes/valpacket1spr20.pdf.

Step 5 Include the same information in footnotes with different formatting.

  • Example: Aswath Damodaran, "Intrinsic Valuation," (PowerPoint presentation, Equity Instruments, NYU Stern School of Business, New York, NY, January 2020), http://people.stern.nyu.edu/adamodar/pdfiles/eqnotes/valpacket1spr20.pdf.
  • After the first footnote, use a shortened format for subsequent footnotes with the last name of the presenter and the title of the presentation. For example:

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • If the slides come from a classroom website, company intranet, or learning management system (such as Canvas or Blackboard), use the URL only if you're writing for an audience that would have access to that system. [18] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to cite apa style in a powerpoint presentation

  • This article covers how to cite a PowerPoint presentation using the MLA 8th edition (2016), the APA 7th edition (2019), and the Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition (2017). Consult your instructor or editor to make sure you're using the right edition for your citations. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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  • ↑ https://style.mla.org/citing_slides/
  • ↑ https://research.moreheadstate.edu/c.php?g=610039&p=4234940
  • ↑ https://libguides.capilanou.ca/mla/classnotes
  • ↑ https://writeanswers.royalroads.ca/faq/199089
  • ↑ https://guides.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/APA/lecture
  • ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples/powerpoint-references
  • ↑ https://libguides.up.edu/chicago/other#s-lg-box-wrapper-28673142
  • ↑ https://library.ulethbridge.ca/chicagostyle/other/lecture
  • ↑ https://libguides.up.edu/chicago/other

About This Article

Gerald Posner

To cite a PowerPoint presentation in MLA, use footnotes or endnotes to cite your sources. Then in the footnote, list the author’s last name followed by a comma then their first name. Then write the title of the lecture in quotes followed by the venue, the city it was held in, and the abbreviated date you accessed the work. You should put a period after each item. For instance, you might write, “Smith, John. ‘Sensitivity and Social Media.’ Today's Social Networks. Thomson Auditorium. Hamilton. Jan. 23, 2016. Keynote address.” To learn how to cite PowerPoint presentations in APA style, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Creating a Reference for a PowerPoint Presentation

  • If the PowerPoint slides are from a classroom website, such as Brightspace, click here .
  • When referencing a PowerPoint presentation that cannot be retrieved (ie. a PowerPoint presentation that was shown in a lecture or meeting), it is considered personal communication and does not require a reference list entry. Click here  to access citation rules for personal communication.  

Formatting Examples

  • Reference Format
  • In-text Citations
  • Include the month and date of publication for PowerPoint presentations, when available.
  • Include the format, in square brackets, following the title.

Examples of formatting an in-text citation for this item are outlined below:

Reference Information

Housand, B. (2016). [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare.

In-text Citation Guidelines

Examples                                                                                                           

Parenthetical citation example

 

 

Consider this a paraphrased sentence (Housand, 2016).   

Narrative citation example

 

According to Housand (2016), "consider this a direct quote" (slide 5).

Remember, in-text citation formatting may change depending on a number of factors .

See  Number of Authors , Publication Date , and  Page/Paragraph Number or Heading  for more information.   

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How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA

Last Updated: January 8, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is a wikiHow Content Creator. She specializes in reviewing, fact-checking, and evaluating wikiHow's content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. Jennifer holds a JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 49,221 times.

When creating a reference list in American Psychological Association (APA) style, the point is to direct your readers to the source. This may be difficult if the source you want to cite is a PowerPoint presentation. if the presentation appears online, you can cite it like you would any other webpage. However, a live PowerPoint presentation should be cited as a "personal communication." [1] X Research source

Citing a Presentation Posted Online

Step 1 Start your reference list entry with the author's name.

  • Example: Sunshine, S.J.

Step 2 Add the year the slide presentation was published.

  • Example: Sunshine, S.J. (2018).

Step 3 Provide the title of the presentation and a description of the format.

  • Example: Sunshine, S.J. (2018). Revolutionary uses of solar energy [PowerPoint slides].

Step 4 Include the URL where the presentation can be retrieved.

  • Example: Sunshine, S.J. (2018). Revolutionary uses of solar energy [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://www.sunnypower.com/revolution

APA Reference List Format

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of presentation [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from URL.

Step 5 Use the author's name and year of publication for in-text citations.

  • Example: Solar energy has been experimentally used to power motor vehicles (Sunshine, 2018).

Step 6 Provide the slide number for direct quotes from the presentation.

  • Example: If motor vehicles could be retrofitted to run on solar power, America could "end its dependence on fossil fuels within 10 years" (Sunshine, 2018, slide 11).

Citing a Live Presentation

Step 1 Leave a live presentation out of your reference list.

  • Your instructor or advisor may want you to include an entry in your reference list. It's a good idea to ask in advance and follow their instructions.

Step 2 Start your in-text citation with the name of the presenter.

  • Example: (L. Lovegood,

Step 3 Identify the presentation as a personal communication.

  • Example: (L. Lovegood, personal communication,

Step 4 Include a precise date when the presentation was given.

  • Example:(L. Lovegood, personal communication, March 22, 2019).

APA Live Presentation In-Text Format

(A. A. Author, personal communication, Month Day, Year).

Expert Q&A

  • With in-text citations, don't repeat information in the parenthetical citation that you've already included in your text. For example, if you've mentioned the author or presenter's name in your text, there's no need to include that name in your parenthetical citation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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  • ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples/powerpoint-references
  • ↑ https://guides.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/APA/lecture
  • ↑ https://columbiacollege-ca.libguides.com/apa/classnotes
  • ↑ https://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2010/10/what-belongs-in-the-reference-list.html
  • ↑ https://www.bibliography.com/citations/how-to-cite-a-lecture-in-apa-mla-and-chicago-styles/

About this article

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How to format a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style:

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. See section 7.30 of the APA manual for more information about this.
  • 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.

How to cite PowerPoint slides in your References List

You will use the following format to cite PowerPoint slides:

Author, A. A. (year).  Title of presentation  [PowerPoint slides]. Website Name. https://xxxxx

Please note that “if the slides come from a classroom website, learning management system [e.g., Blackboard], or company intranet and you are writing for an audience with access to that resource, provide the name of the site and its URL (use the login page URL for sites requiring login)” (APA, 2020, p. 347). Don't forget to indent the second and subsequent lines.

Goodwin University. (n.d.).  Social media and marketing communications: Written/Oral project outline . [PowerPoint slides]. Blackboard. https://goodwin.blackboard.com

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APA Formatting For Powerpoint (Easy Guide)

how to cite apa style in a powerpoint presentation

APA formatting for PowerPoint requires a proper title page, consistent heading levels, and bullet points in the body for clarity. In-text citations vary based on source details, and the presentation should conclude with an APA-styled reference list.

When it comes to research papers and presentations, there are a few different formatting styles that you may need to use. APA is one of the most common, and it is typically used in research documents. In this easy guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about APA formatting for PowerPoint, including how to format your title page, heading levels, in-text citations, and more.

Formatting the Title Page

Formatting the body of the presentation, formatting in-text citations, formatting your reference list.

An APA-formatted title page will be the same as any other research paper you’ve written in APA style. This means that it should include the following elements:

  • The title of your presentation
  • Your name and affiliatio n (e.g., university, department)
  • Your course information
  • Your professor’s name
  • The due date

Here is an example of what your title page might look like:

how to cite apa style in a powerpoint presentation

After finalizing the title page, focus next on the body’s layout. While the body offers flexibility in its design, certain principles enhance its readability and structure:

Consistency in Heading Levels: Ensure that the heading levels you choose remain uniform across the presentation. For instance, if Level 1 headings are initiated, maintain them throughout all body slides.

Opt for Bullet Points Over Paragraphs: Present main ideas using bullet points rather than extended paragraphs. Bullet points not only enhance the visual appeal but also ensure the content is digestible and straightforward for the audience.

Here is an example of an APA-formatted PowerPoint body slide:

how to cite apa style in a powerpoint presentation

When referencing material from an external source in your presentation, it’s crucial to provide appropriate credit using in-text citations. The citation’s structure varies based on the nature and depth of the content borrowed:

Direct Quotations: Mention the author’s last name, publication year, and page number (when available). For instance: (Smith, 2020, p. 5).

Paraphrasing or Summarizing: Simply include the author’s last name and the publication year, like: (Smith, 2020).

Sources Without a Recognized Author: Should you reference content from sources without a clear author, such as interviews or specific websites, the title of the source becomes your primary reference. Example: (“APA Formatting for PowerPoint,” 2020).

Here are examples of in-text citations.

how to cite apa style in a powerpoint presentation

Note that the in-text citation for images and videos will be the same as the texts.

Once you’ve finished your presentation, the last step is to include a reference list of all the sources you used. Your reference list should be formatted according to APA guidelines and placed on the last slide. Each reference should include these things in the exact order:

Author’s last name, author’s first initial. (Publication date). (Title). (Publication). URL

Here is an example of a reference list:

how to cite apa style in a powerpoint presentation

Basically, you will need to follow the same APA guidelines that you would for any other research paper when formatting the reference list of your PowerPoint presentation.

Now you know everything there is to know about APA formatting for PowerPoint presentations! Mastering APA formatting for PowerPoint presentations not only enhances the professionalism and credibility of your work but also ensures you give rightful credit to original sources. As with all academic and research endeavors, adhering to a recognized standard like APA maintains consistency, clarity, and respect for intellectual property.

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How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA

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

  • Volume and Issue Numbers
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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 PowerPoint Presentations in APA Style

how to cite apa style in a powerpoint presentation

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Sofia Green See full bio →

APA format PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations have become another source of information for various occasions, from student projects and slideshows to online courses. So, the question of the proper citation of PowerPoint presentations arises. At some point, you will need a hint on how to cite someone else’s presentation in your research paper or in your own slides. There are APA style guidelines that come in handy for such cases. 

What is APA style?

How to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style your readers can access

How to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style your readers can’t access

How to format a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style

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Tips for using APA Style citations in PowerPoint

What Is APA Style?

APA Style is a set of rules for academic writing and publishing scientific papers at the highest level of clarity and accessibility. Whereas Chicago style is mainly used for studies on business, history, and the fine arts, and MLS style is common for the humanities, journal articles on education, psychology, and sciences must adhere to APA style.

If you’re wondering how to format your APA PowerPoint citation, it may seem a little bit tricky. Based on the latest, 7th edition of the APA manual and samples, we derived a ‘formula’ to show you to how to cite a presentation properly.

Examples of APA style citation
Reference List entryMadison, J. (2016). Introduction to APA Citations. Journal of Educational Psychology, 100(2), 34-48. New York, NY, United States.
Parenthetical citation(Madison, 2016, p. 37)
Narrative citationMadison (2016)

Depending on whether the presentation to be cited is in the public domain or is not available for readers to access, the format of PowerPoint citation will be a little different. Also, you may need to do the opposite – namely, to cite elements on your PPT slides, like direct quotations, images, or tables – in APA format. Read this article to learn how to do both of these things correctly.

How to Cite PowerPoint Slides Your Readers Can Access

Published PowerPoint presentations are typically available on the net. When citing such presentations, be sure to include the term “PowerPoint slides” in brackets, and then embed a URL address that leads directly to the original source. Since a PowerPoint presentation is a standalone piece of content that is not archived, you need to include “Retrieved from” before the URL.

Author + date + title of the presentation + [PowerPoint slides] + “Retrieved from” + URL 

Jones, A. B. (2014). How to include APA citations in a PowerPoint presentation [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://jones.uvm.edu/ppt/40hrenv/index.html.

Citing a conference presentation in APA Style 

If the presentation you need to APA cite was delivered in a certain event and place, like a professional conference or a seminar, you need to mention this in the citation as well. 

Madison, J. (2016, April 11-14). Introduction to APA Citations [PowerPoint presentation]. 2nd Annual National Conference for Researchers, New York, NY, United States. Retrieved from http://researcherguide.com/archives 

If you want to refer to a specific slide in the body text of your paper, include the slide number in your in-text citation.

Format: (Author’s surname, year, slide 4)

Example: (Madison, 2016, slide 6)

How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation Your Readers Can’t Access

If the presentation you wish to APA cite is not published anywhere and the reader won’t be able to access it (e.g., you viewed it at a meeting), you can still give it recognition. In this case, you need to cite it as personal communication. APA style doesn’t index personal communications in the reference lists, but it is necessary to include them as in-text citations. See how you can cite a meeting in your PowerPoint presentation below.

Example: In his speech, Madison stated that employee retention increased by 5% (personal communication, May 26, 2019).

Citing a lecture in APA format

If you wonder how to cite a lecture, you can do it nearly the same way. You will need to mention the lecturer, the date when the lecture was hold and frame it as personal communication as well. 

Example: (A. Collins, personal communication, October 28, 2021)

How to Format a PowerPoint Slideshow in APA Citation Style

If you present on a serious level and need to establish the credibility of the data you put into slides, it’s important to treat your PowerPoint presentation as a research paper in the first place. In this regard, educators and editors strongly recommend applying APA guidelines to the structure of PowerPoint presentations.

Thus, a PowerPoint presentation needs to meet certain criteria. It should include:

Title slide

  • Thorough APA citations
  • The References slide
  • Fully cited slides for tables with figures and statistical data

Make your title slide similar to the title page of an APA research paper. Your first PowerPoint slide should include the same information as the cover sheet of an APA research paper. Include the title of the presentation, your name, organization, and an author’s note describing the purpose of the presentation.

APA Style PowerPoint Citation

[Source: http://libraryguides.bennett.edu/home/library-tutorials/apa-style-presentations]

Reference slide

A reference slide is the last slide of your presentation in which you cite the sources you used. It’s a list of every APA citation that appears elsewhere in the presentation.

Although it’s the final slide of your presentation, it is easier to compile it in advance. Do the following:

  • Name the slide “Reference List” or “References.”
  • List the references alphabetically by author (if there is no author, simply write the title). 
  • Do not double space or indent your reference slide to save space.

For detailed guidance, check out examples in the APA Style handout that was carefully prepared by Idaho State University or the official APA Publication Manual 7th Edition available on the website of the American Psychological Association .

In-text citations for the body slides

Including citations in the main content of your PowerPoint presentation is necessary to avoid plagiarism. Universities, for example, insist that any academic PowerPoint presentation has appropriate citations for any outside sources. Those sources include:

  • Any direct quotation
  • Any paraphrase
  • Tables and data
  • Video and audio files

APA citations in the body refer only to the author (or an item in quotations without an author) followed by a comma, the date of publication, and a page number, if applicable. These will be used throughout the presentation. When needed, hyperlink all your citations as well as images (not clip art) to their sources. Remember to attribute all quotes and paraphrases to their sources.

How to Cite Pictures in PowerPoint 

When it comes to citation, any kind of image, such as photographs, illustrations, or a vendor’s clip art and stock art are commonly referred to as figures. Citing figures is worthy of special mention. This is the table that encompasses all three ‘levels’ of how you can cite a picture in APA format: reference list entry, in-text citation, and copyright attribution. 

 Digital sourcesBooks
Reference list entryAuthor’s surname, first initial. Middle initial. (Year). [Description]. Place of publication. URL.Author’s surname, first initial. Middle initial. (Year). (edition). Publisher.
In-text citation(Author’s surname, year)(Author’s surname, year, page)
Copyright attributionReprinted or adapted status. Source information. Copyright status. 

When citing visuals in PowerPoint, you need to enumerate and annotate any figure. It’s easy to start by placing an image on the slide and adding a text box below it. Then, write a figure number, add a description/note for the figure, and a parenthetical citation from your reference slide. 

Example: 

Figure 3. Pedestrians walking by street graffiti of the word “Love.” Adapted from “Pedestrian Street Art Protest” by J. Actrinson, 2013, ArtsPhotosArchive. Retrieved from http://www.artsphotoarchive.com/pedestrian-art-protest. Copyright 2020 by Actrinson Photos.

Tips for Using APA Style Citations in PowerPoint slides

1. integrate your tables, but include full attributions.

In APA citation, tables are any kinds of visual representation of data like graphs, charts, pie charts, etc. Tables can be incorporated as slides throughout the presentation, rather than grouped at the end. You need to include a complete citation of a table’s source on individual table slides. This is in addition to listing the source on your reference slide.

2. Check with samples of formatting

It’s a good idea to look for samples and illustrations of how to format citations in each case. For example, the Thomas F. Holgate Library at Bennett College, Greensboro, NC has posted an excellent slide presentation, APA Style PowerPoint Presentations . Also, you can visit Purdue University’s incomparable Online Writing Lab which has a complete reference list guide for electronic sources (web publications).

3. Follow the guidelines of your institution 

Some APA formatting advice can be ambiguous. So, if you’re submitting to a conference, make a safe choice and comply with the guidelines that your institution or an event committee might suggest following. Even if there is a variance between APA style and this suggested formatting style, it’s better to prepare your presentation according to the requirements of that particular event. 

Frequently Asked Questions about APA Style Citation

While preparing the Reference list for your presentation or putting in-text citations on PowerPoint slides, you may have questions about adding specific information. Here are a couple of such tricky questions and answers to them. Feel free to jump to the question that interests you most. 

How do I cite a source with no author in APA Style?

If you don’t know the name of the author, you may use the first words of your source’s title and include the year of publication. If it’s a book, magazine, or report, italicize it. And if it’s an article, use question marks.

 (Power of eLearning, 2020)(“eLearning Insights for 2022,” 2021)

In the Reference list, format such citations according to the common formula, only dropping the author portion at the beginning. If you want to cite a website article without an author in the Reference list, use the article’s title as well, and add the name of the website and its URL.

What is eLearning? (2019, July 28). iSpring Solutions. /elearning

How do I cite a source with no page numbers in APA Style?

As you need to guide your viewers/learners to the source of your data, if that source doesn’t have pages, you still can position the needed piece of data precisely. Insert a paragraph’s title or number, or a section’s name in the citation to locate the quoted passage.

(2021 Training Industry Report, Training Delivery section) 

How do I cite an online lecture in APA ? 

Since online lectures can be in various forms and formats, e.g., video recordings or lecture notes, you need to specify their format in the citation. This can be done by including [file format] in the formula:

Author surname, initial of first name. (Year). Title of lecture : Subtitle if applicable [file format]. Retrieved from URL. 

Example:  

Oakley, B. (2015). Learning to Unlearn . Retrieved from   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd2dtkMINIw. 

How do I cite a professor’s PowerPoint presentation in APA style?

Just as with any other PowerPoint presentation that your readers/viewers access online, you can follow this formula:

Author Surname, initial of first name (year, month date). presentation title [PowerPoint slides]. the document’s location

Collins, A. (2016, March 23). Making the most of online education [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare: https://www.slideshare.net/collinsadrianne/making-the-most-of-online-education

If the presentation you need to cite is placed on an intranet portal, an LMS, or some other source or platform with limited access, you still can credit the author. Just use the log-in page URL to enable viewers who can access the platform to find the source you’re citing.

Example: Keller, G., & Spake, R. (2018). Urbanization and its effect on society [PowerPoint slides]. Moodle@FNU. https://fnu.onelogin.com/login.

In case you’re wondering how to cite a training program in APA style, you can do this in exactly the same way. 

As PowerPoint presentations have become one of the major sources of information and means of knowledge delivery, they need to be treated seriously and formatted according to certain standards. In this article, we covered the main ways to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA style in your papers, or align your presentation with APA Style guidelines. If you need to enhance your presentation further and transform it into an effective online course, get this free trial of iSpring Suite !

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How to Cite Images in a PowerPoint: APA Style Guide

Citing images in a PowerPoint presentation according to the APA format might seem tricky, but it’s quite straightforward once you know the steps. Essentially, you need to provide enough information for your audience to be able to locate the image themselves, including the creator’s name, the year the image was created, a title or description, and the source URL if applicable.

After you complete the citation action, the image in your PowerPoint will have a proper reference that follows APA guidelines. This enables your audience to track down the image source if they need to, and it ensures you are not infringing on copyright laws.

Introduction

When you’re whipping up a PowerPoint presentation, whether it’s for a class project, a business meeting, or a conference, using images can make your slides more engaging and informative. However, using images comes with the responsibility of proper citation. You can’t just pluck images from the depths of the internet without giving credit to the creators—it wouldn’t be ethical or legal.

Understandably, you might scratch your head thinking about the proper way to cite images according to the American Psychological Association (APA) format. Fear not, it’s not rocket science, and it’s crucial for academic integrity and respecting intellectual property rights. Remember, citing sources is not just a tedious task; it’s a way to lend credibility to your work and avoid the pitfalls of plagiarism.

Citing images according to APA is relevant not only to students but also to professionals and researchers who use visual aids to support their presentations. It’s a skill that, once mastered, will serve you well throughout your academic and professional career. So, let’s dive in and figure out how to get those citations picture-perfect!

The step-by-step tutorial to cite images in a PowerPoint according to the APA

The following steps will lead you through the process of citing images in your PowerPoint presentation according to APA guidelines.

Step 1: Find the necessary information for the citation

Identify the creator’s name, the year the image was created, a title or description, and the URL if the image is from an online source.

When you find an image you want to use, make sure to note down all the required information for the citation. If you’re using an image from a book or a magazine, the same rules apply—note the publication details.

Step 2: Place the citation on the slide with the image

Add a text box on the slide and input the citation information underneath or beside the image.

Make sure your text is readable against the slide background and is in a font and size that is consistent with the rest of your presentation. The citation should be discreet but still legible.

Step 3: Format the citation according to APA style

In the text box, format your citation as follows: (Creator’s Last Name, Year). If there’s a title, include it in italics, followed by the URL if applicable.

The APA style is pretty particular about formatting, so double-check you’ve got the right punctuation and italicization.

BenefitExplanation
Enhances credibilityBy citing images correctly, you demonstrate academic honesty and respect for the original creator’s work.
Avoids plagiarismProper citation ensures that you are not unlawfully claiming someone else’s work as your own.
Assists audienceA citation allows your audience to find the original source themselves, which is helpful for further research.
DrawbackExplanation
Can be time-consumingFinding all the necessary information and formatting it correctly might take a bit of time.
Occupies slide spaceCitations can take up valuable space on your PowerPoint slide, which could be used for other content.
Might distractIf not placed discreetly, citations could distract the audience from the image or the message it conveys.

Additional Information

Citing images in your PowerPoint presentations is not just about avoiding plagiarism; it’s about building a presentation that is credible and professional. When you include citations, you show that you have done your research and you value the work of others. Additionally, APA citations are not set in stone; they are periodically updated, so make sure you’re using the most current guidelines.

Remember, when in doubt, provide more information rather than less. If you can’t find a date for an image, use “n.d.” for no date. If you can’t find the creator’s name, use “Anon” for anonymous. And if the image title is not available, provide a brief description in square brackets. Lastly, always check your institution’s or publisher’s citation policy, as they may have specific requirements.

  • Find the creator’s name, year, title/description, and URL.
  • Add a text box for the citation on the slide.
  • Format citation in APA style: (Creator’s Last Name, Year).

Frequently Asked Questions

What if i can’t find the image’s creation date.

If the date is not available, use “n.d.” which stands for “no date” in your citation.

Do I need to cite images that are common knowledge or in the public domain?

Yes, you should still cite these images to acknowledge the source, even if they don’t require permission to use.

Can I place the image citations on a separate slide at the end of the presentation?

While it’s more common to place citations directly on the slide with the image, you can include a separate reference slide at the end if you prefer.

How should I cite an image that I created myself?

If you created the image, simply note that it is your own work. You can use the caption “Image created by the author” or something similar.

What if the image is from a print source, not online?

Follow the same steps, but instead of a URL, include the publication information in your citation (e.g., book title, magazine name, page number).

Citing images in a PowerPoint presentation according to the APA guidelines is an essential skill that upholds academic integrity and respects the work of creators. Proper citations not only prevent plagiarism but also support your credibility as a presenter. Remember, whether the images are from the web, a book, or created by you, they deserve to be cited correctly.

By taking the time to include accurate citations, you enhance the quality and professionalism of your presentation. As we continue to rely on visual aids to communicate complex ideas, let’s give credit where credit is due and cite images diligently.

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How to Use APA Style In a PowerPoint Presentation

The video below demonstrates step-by-step how to apply the guidelines provided in the APA Publication Manual 6th Edition (Second Printing) in a PowerPoint or other type of slide presentation. Keep in mind, individual teachers or university programs may issue their own guidelines in addition to these.

Following the video is a complete transcript of the presentation.




When it comes to citing sources, a PowerPoint should be treated the same as any other document. If material from a source is used, it must be cited. These usages include:
Good news: Regardless of whether it’s a PowerPoint or any other type of document, the format of APA citations, both in-text and reference, remains the same. Let’s take a look at a sample PowerPoint to see how APA style should be applied.


The title slide is sometimes called the welcome slide of a PowerPoint presentation. On this welcome slide, note that the same information which appears on the title page of an APA word-processed document also appears on the opening slide of the PowerPoint. First is the full title of the presentation. If a subtitle is used, it is set off from the main title with a colon.

Next comes the student’s full name and directly beneath that is the name of the school. APA style also allows an “Author Note” at the bottom for any additional information. Keep in mind, these are only suggestions from the APA. An instructor can always request additional information such as date of submission, course title, instructor name, and so on. These should be added when required by your teacher.

This opening slide also contains an image, which is called a “figure” in APA parlance. Each figure should be displayed with a brief explanatory caption beneath it, also called a note. This caption or note describes the image and is followed by a parenthetical or in-text citation. APA also suggests that in a PowerPoint, images are hyperlinked to their original source. Therefore, clicking on the parenthetical citation would direct a web browser to the page the image appears on.

A final note, this author has chosen to put parenthetical or in-text citations in a different type color to distinguish them from the slide’s text. This is a design choice and not an APA guideline.


On this second slide appear a quotation and a paraphrase (information from a source expressed in your own phrasing). Quotations and paraphrases must contain in-text or parenthetical citations following the usual APA format: author last name or names, comma, and year of publication.

If the source does not list an author, use the title of the work in quotation marks, which you see done in this citation. If the source does not list a year of publication, use the abbreviation n period d period. If there is more than one author, use an ampersand, not the word “and” to join them.

Also on this slide is another use of a web image, which, again, is considered a figure and must be labeled in sequence with other figures and contain a brief caption describing it, followed by the parenthetical citation. In this case, the owner is again an entity (Advanced Surgery Center of San Antonio) not a person.



This slide is devoted to a table. Like figures, tables must be numbered in sequence. Each should be displayed with an explanatory title, in this case the title is “Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Outpatient Surgery Based on Medicare Data.” Tables also require a note, which appears directly beneath the table and provides any explanations needed—of abbreviations or symbols especially. The note must also contain a citation to the original source from which the table’s data were taken. The citation should follow the APA format for the type of source the information was taken from, in this case a journal. In addition, a table note should also include copyright information at its end.


The final slide should contain a complete list of any sources used in the presentation. This includes any source that was mentioned orally but does not appear on the slide.

As usual, the references list is in alphabetical order and citations are formatted according to the APA style manual for that source type. Since this is a presentation, the usual conventions of double spacing and hanging indentation are not observed.

Finally, remember that although APA manuscript guidelines do not apply to a PowerPoint presentation, requirements for citation of source material are the same. Any use of source material must be cited with a parenthetical citation that refers to a reference citation on your last slide. 

American Psychological Association

Classroom or Intranet Sources

Some works are recoverable only by certain audiences, which affects how they are cited.

For example, a student writing a paper for a course assignment might cite works from the classroom website or learning management system (LMS; e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, Brightspace, Moodle, Sakai). These sources can be cited in the classroom assignment because they are recoverable by the instructor and fellow students. Likewise, an employee might cite resources from the company intranet when writing an internal company report.

When the audience you are writing for can retrieve the works you used, cite the works using the formats shown in Chapter 10 of the Publication Manual , which are organized according to reference group and category. The source element of these references includes the name of the classroom website or LMS and the URL. For sites requiring users to log in, the URL should be a link to the home page or the login page.

For example, use the following format to cite a recorded lecture or PowerPoint presentation available from a classroom website or LMS for a student assignment (see also Chapter 10, Example 102, in the Publication Manual ). Because the LMS requires users to log in, provide the home page URL of the LMS rather than the full URL of the work.

Mack, R., & Spake, G. (2018). Citing open source images and formatting references for presentations [PowerPoint slides]. Canvas@FNU. https://fnu.onelogin.com/login

Likewise, use the following format to cite a report on a company intranet when writing an internal company report (see also the report formats shown in Section 10.4 of the Publication Manual ). Because this company intranet requires users to log in, provide the home page URL of the intranet rather than the full URL of the work.

American Psychological Association. (2019). Policies & procedures manual . https://apa750.sharepoint.com

However, if the work is for professional publication or intended for a wider audience who will not have access to these sources (i.e., the LMS or the company intranet), cite the sources as personal communications .

Classroom or intranet sources are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 8.8 and the Concise Guide Section 8.8

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Learn How to Cite a Powerpoint in APA Style with Examples

Updated 25 Jul 2024

Learning how to cite a PowerPoint in APA can sound quite challenging, especially if it's the first time you have to quote some slides or a presentation attended in person. This guide helps you see the basic rules of APA citation styles and learn by templates and examples. Since many presentations that can be discovered on Prezi, PowerPoint, or similar platforms contain primary sources, it can help add relevant information to your paper, once you've chosen your PowerPoint presentation topic. 

To quote a presentation in APA 7th edition, you must provide the following information for a complete citation: 

  • Last Name and Initials of the Author(s). 
  • Date of publication in parentheses. 
  • Title of presentation in italics.
  • Container's explanation of the type of the slides. 
  • Publisher. 
  • URL (if the presentation is available online). 

Let’s start with the general APA PowerPoint citation template format and the rules for a presentation: 

APA Powerpoint Template

Author, A. B. (Year of publication).  Title of presentation  [PowerPoint slides]. Publisher. URL 

APA Example

Miles, R.I. (2016).  The importance of trance music for motivation: An overview of technical characteristics  [PowerPoint slides]. Prezi@RSU. http://www.url.edu/link

(Miles, 2016, slide 4)  

Citing a PowerPoint Your Readers Can Access 

The best scenario is using a PowerPoint presentation your readers can access. So the page will require log in to one of the university's LMS systems. In this case you should include the main URL where a person can log in instead of using the actual URL for the presentation. 

When dealing with password-protected platforms or sites containing the PowerPoint file you wish to cite, the rules are:

APA Citation Template

Last Name, Initial(s). (Year, Month Date).  Title in italics  [PowerPoint slides]. Course, University's Name. URL

Works Cited Page Citation

Gibbons, B (2022, September 17).  Introduction to Marine Pollution  [PowerPoint slides]. Faculty of Marine Biology, University of Miami. http://auth.miami.edu/

In-text Citation

(Gibbons, 2022, slide 7) 

If you have the luck to use the PowerPoint APA citation slides available for public access (Prezi or Slideshare) use the website name instead of the university and the course/department. 

Last Name, Initial(s). (Year, Month Date).  Title in italics  [PowerPoint slides]. Website Name. URL. 

Meril, M. (2013, August 26).  Childhood Autism: Definition and Analysis.  [PowerPoint Slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/merilmanuel/autism-ppt-25586447

(Meril, 2013) 

Note: when you have to use other types of slides or lecture notes, it's sufficient to replace the [PowerPoint slides] container with something like [Google Slides] or any other relevant description.  

Training program PowerPoint citation 

When you wish to add a quotation for a training program presented as a PowerPoint ppt, citing a PowerPoint APA style must be done this way: 

APA Template

Last Name, Initial(s). (Year) Title in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Name of the training program. URL (if available).

Horncastle, M. (2021). Boy Scouts Seattle Troop volunteer training program and anti-bullying initiatives. [PowerPoint slides] BSA Seattle Troop Training Program. http//www.bsa.org/url

(Horncastle, 2021, slide 19) 

Of course, if your PowerPoint presentation is made available at Slideshare or Prezi website and relates to the training sessions, follow this citation example: 

Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Title of presentation in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. URL

Green, J. (2015). Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/clevernickname/scoutmaster-specificmbu2015

(Green, 2015, slide 5) 

Lecture PowerPoint citation 

Citing a lecture in APA 7th edition is also easy as you follow the template and examples of in-text citation PowerPoint APA and the one for the References page. 

Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Title in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. URL 

Works Cited Page 

Agarwal, N. (2011).  Domestic Violence and Abuse Patterns  [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/neha0827/domestic-violence-9607941

(Agarwal, 2011, slide 5)

Alternatively, it’s possible to use a slightly different citation pattern if you are dealing with a specific lecture program or a classroom lecture you have attended during your college or university studies. Here is an alternative way how to cite a PowerPoint in APA for this scenario: 

Richards, N. (2022) Structure of transwave synthesis and frequency modulation methods [PowerPoint slides]. Oxford Education.

For your APA in-text citation: 

(Richards, 2022, slide 7)

If the talk is about a classroom lecture, follow this example: 

Jackson, T. (2009). The challenges of technology for children with learning challenges [PowerPoint slides]. Arizona State University. Classroom lecture.

For your  APA in-text citation: 

(Jackson, 2009, slide 34) 

Conference PowerPoint citation 

As practice shows, many students cite PowerPoint presentations taken from conferences. There are two approaches to how to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA, depending on the situation. See the examples below: 

Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Title in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Conference, Location. Slideshare. URL

Works Cited Page

Skomra, A. (2015).  Leadership Conference: Call to Community: Slimming Youth to Strengthen Lives.  [PowerPoint slides]. Roberts Wesleyan College Conference, Rochester, New York. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/AlexanderGSkomra/leadership-conference-submission-47076287

In-text Citation  

(Skomra, 2015, slide 2)

Some other examples for this case would be as follows: 

Salisbury, A. (2023).  AI Intelligence and Dangers of shifting teacher's roles  [PowerPoint slides]. Canada Education's Board of Trustees, Alberta 2023.

 In-text

(Salisbury, 2023, slide 63)

Citing a PowerPoint your readers can't access 

There are cases when you cannot access the PowerPoint presentation you wish to cite. In such a case, it's necessary to follow the rules of personal communication. You can still follow the standard citation rules when writing a paper with a PowerPoint citation from your university's website. The reason for that is that your college professor can access the presentation. 

Now, when you want to cite a PowerPoint in APA and submit it to some academic journal, choose personal communication instead since people won't be able to access it. Remember that personal communications work only for in-text citing and do not go in the References list. 

In a class lecture, Andersen stated that most students face emotional isolation challenges during their virtual studies (personal communication, September 13, 2022). 

Citing information quoted in a PowerPoint 

As you might know, sometimes a PowerPoint presentation or a lecturer refers to a quote you may wish to use or contain interesting statistical data to help your paper stand out. The best solution here would be to find original source. APA 7th edition rules recommend avoiding double citing and always looking for first-hand data. Citing PowerPoint slides APA, you will learn that most presentations will include a relevant reference to help you if you have luck. Likewise, you can ask for sources if you can contact the author or your school's library. Citing a PowerPoint in APA format can be tricky, so if you're feeling stuck, you might want to find a service to do my homework and ensure your references are correctly formatted.

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

Start with the author, publication, year, presentation title, [PowerPoint slides] part, publisher, and URL (if available). The complete citation example for a professor called Collin Black would look this way: 

Black, C. (2021). English Literature of the Medieval period . [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. http://www.slideshare.net/url. 

How do I cite a source with no page numbers in APA style? 

Do your best to indicate the location of the quoted part in your in-text citation in APA. Determining how to cite PowerPoint slides APA style, you may use the section's subheadings, paragraph, section number, or anything to specify the location. 

(King, 2022, Linking section, para. 4). 

Do PowerPoint presentations need in-text citations in APA? 

Yes, in-text citations are always necessary to keep your paper original and avoid plagiarism! 

How do you cite a PowerPoint slide in APA 7th edition with no author? 

You should use the organization's name instead or the presentation's title in a shortened form. If nothing can be determined, use the word "Title" instead of the author and then provide the rest of the information as required by the citation type.

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Written by Elizabeth Miller

Seasoned academic writer, nurturing students' writing skills. Expert in citation and plagiarism. Contributing to EduBirdie since 2019. Aspiring author and dedicated volunteer. You will never have to worry about plagiarism as I write essays 100% from scratch. Vast experience in English, History, Ethics, and more.

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APA 7th Edition Citation and Style Guide  Guidance for citing sources using APA style, 7th edition, from the Michigan State University Libraries.

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Bibcitation  A tool for formatting bibliographies in MLA, APA, Chicago, and many other styles.

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  4. APA Formatting for PowerPoint: How to Apply APA Style to PowerPoint Presentations

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  5. How-to Guide: Cite a PowerPoint in APA Format

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  6. How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA in 2024

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COMMENTS

  1. APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

    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.

  2. How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA Style

    To reference a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style, include the name of the author (whoever presented the PowerPoint), the date it was presented, the title (italicized), "PowerPoint slides" in square brackets, the name of the department and university, and the URL where the PowerPoint can be found.

  3. Powerpoint Presentations

    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.

  4. PowerPoint Slide or Lecture Note References

    This page contains reference examples for PowerPoint slides or lecture notes, including the following: Use these formats to cite information obtained directly from slides. If the slides contain citations to information published elsewhere, and you want to cite that information as well, then it is best to find, read, and cite the original source ...

  5. APA Citation Guide (7th edition) : Powerpoint Presentations

    Powerpoint Presentations - Where Do My Citations Go? 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. Example: .

  6. PDF Formatting a PowerPoint in APA Style

    Formatting for a PowerPoint reference page is the same as the formatting for an APA formatted essay. If you need assistance with formatting a reference page in APA, please visit the Lewis OWL resource HERE and view the last page in the document.

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

    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.

  8. APA for PowerPoint Presentations

    The APA manual does not have a section on how to format a PowerPoint presentation, but you 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 ...

  9. APA Citation Guide (7th Edition): Presentations and Class Notes

    Handouts distributed in class and presentation slides such as PowerPoint should be cited both in-text and on the Reference list. Your own notes from lectures are considered personal communications in APA style.

  10. How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA

    How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA Citing a PowerPoint in APA most commonly follows the rules for citing a lecture. Select " Lecture " in our free citation generator below. If a lecture doesn't quite reflect your source, use the drop-down to select another one.

  11. How to Cite a Powerpoint in APA Format

    Wondering how to cite a PowerPoint in APA? You've come to the right place. Check out our simple guide with examples to find the answers you'e looking for.

  12. PowerPoint Presentations

    However, most colleges/universities, professionals, and educators follow the general guidelines for formatting their slideshows in the APA style: Include an in-text citation for every slide in which you paraphrase, quote, or summarize information from one of your sources: (Author, year). Place this citation in the bottom right corner of your ...

  13. 3 Ways to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation

    This article covers how to cite a PowerPoint presentation using the MLA 8th edition (2016), the APA 7th edition (2019), and the Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition (2017).

  14. Referencing: PowerPoint Presentations

    When referencing a PowerPoint presentation that cannot be retrieved (ie. a PowerPoint presentation that was shown in a lecture or meeting), it is considered personal communication and does not require a reference list entry.

  15. How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

    When creating a reference list in American Psychological Association (APA) style, the point is to direct your readers to the source. This may be difficult if the source you want to cite is a PowerPoint presentation. if the presentation appears online, you can cite it like you would any other webpage.

  16. Formating a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style

    How to format a PowerPoint presentation in APA Style: The APA manual does not have a section on how to format a PowerPoint presentation, but you 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.

  17. APA Formatting For Powerpoint (Easy Guide)

    APA formatting for PowerPoint requires a proper title page, consistent heading levels, and bullet points in the body for clarity. In-text citations vary based on source details, and the presentation should conclude with an APA-styled reference list.

  18. How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA

    How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA 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.

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  20. How to Cite PowerPoint Presentations in APA Style

    PowerPoint presentations have become another source of information for various occasions, from student projects and slideshows to online courses. So, the question of the proper citation of PowerPoint presentations arises. At some point, you will need a hint on how to cite someone else's presentation in your research paper or in your own slides.

  21. How to Cite Images in a PowerPoint: APA Style Guide

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    The video below demonstrates step-by-step how to apply the guidelines provided in the APA Publication Manual 6th Edition (Second Printing) in a PowerPoint or other type of slide presentation. Keep in mind, individual teachers or university programs may issue their own guidelines in addition to these. Following the video is a complete transcript of the presentation. When it comes to citing ...

  23. Classroom or intranet sources

    For example, use the following format to cite a recorded lecture or PowerPoint presentation available from a classroom website or LMS for a student assignment (see also Chapter 10, Example 102, ... APA Style webinar on citing works in text. Attend the webinar, "Citing Works in Text Using Seventh Edition APA Style," on July 14, 2020, to ...

  24. How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA Citation Style

    Learning how to cite a PowerPoint in APA can sound quite challenging, especially if it's the first time you have to quote some slides or a presentation attended in person. This guide helps you see the basic rules of APA citation styles and learn by templates and examples. Since many presentations that can be discovered on Prezi, PowerPoint, or similar platforms contain primary sources, it can ...

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  26. LibGuides: MC 388: Sexual Politics (Stein-Roggenbuck): Citations

    Bibcitation A tool for formatting bibliographies in MLA, APA, Chicago, and many other styles.. Citation Wizards From the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: converts to MLA, APA, and CSE (formerly known as (CBE) style. *Disclaimer: These sites are maintained by third parties outside of the MSU Libraries. Always double-check any citations generated by these sites to ensure accuracy.