bibliottHow to Cite ChatGPT in Chicago 17th edition
Official The Chicago Manual of Style guidance for generative AI, applied to ChatGPT (OpenAI). Format, in-text citation, and a copy-ready example.
About ChatGPT
ChatGPT is a large-language-model chatbot developed by OpenAI. Citing ChatGPT is increasingly common in academic and professional writing, but the rules differ by style and most instructors expect you to also share the prompt and a copy of the response.
Chicago format for ChatGPT
Author. "Prompt." Generated by Tool Name, Publisher, Date, URL.
Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, May 7, 2024, https://chat.openai.com/chat.
Handling the prompt
CMOS Online (Q&A: Chatbots and AI) recommends citing in a footnote only — most papers don't put AI in the bibliography.
Information to capture before citing
Treat the AI as the author with OpenAI as the publisher (per APA, Chicago).
Include the date you generated the response — this is the "publication" date.
Note the model version (e.g. GPT-4o) when known.
Most styles ask you to share the prompt as part of the citation or in an appendix.
Recoverability of ChatGPT responses
ChatGPT responses are not retrievable by URL. Save your conversation (Share Link or screenshot) and provide it to your instructor on request.
Cite ChatGPT in another style
Citing ChatGPT — FAQ
Yes. The Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition) has explicit guidance for AI-generated content. Treat OpenAI as the publisher and ChatGPT as the work. Always check whether your instructor or journal accepts AI-generated material as a source — many require disclosure.
ChatGPT responses are not retrievable by URL. Save your conversation (Share Link or screenshot) and provide it to your instructor on request.
CMOS Online (Q&A: Chatbots and AI) recommends citing in a footnote only — most papers don't put AI in the bibliography.
Cite the version you used. ChatGPT typically displays the model name (GPT-4, GPT-4o) in the interface. If the version isn't shown, cite the date of your conversation — that's enough for most styles.
Not when properly disclosed and cited. Most universities now allow AI assistance with attribution; a few require explicit instructor permission. Always check your course or institutional policy before submitting AI-assisted work.