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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.

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.

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.

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

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

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 March 25, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-examples/powerpoint-slides/

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APA Formatting and Style (7th ed.) for Student Papers

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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. you will need in-text citations on a powerpoint slide where you are quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing someone else's ideas. , 2. you also will include a reference list as your powerpoint's last slide (or slides). , 3. always follow any instructions given by your instructors., 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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Citing Sources in PowerPoint Slides

• PowerPoint - In-text Citations
• PowerPoint - References List

Note:  APA does not have specific rules about the format of PowerPoint slides.  Rasmussen University does have recommended guidelines outlined below and in the attached PPT presentation.

PowerPoint slides  may   need citations, depending on what type of information is included on the slide.

If the text on a slide is a quote (someone else's words, verbatim) or someone else's ideas in the presenter's own words, then a citation is needed.

If the text placed on a slide is simply a word or phrase that represents a topic that the presenter will be discussing in greater detail, then a citation is not needed.

The table below includes two PowerPoint slides (left side). The column on the right tells whether or not the information would need to be cited and why.

Speaker Notes:  Some assignments require text in the Speaker Notes area of the PowerPoint slide. If information from a source is quoted, summarized, or paraphrased in that area, an in-text citation and reference will likely be required. Ask your instructor for clarification.

• Presentations & APA Citation Style at Rasmussen University Great resource to share with students if they are having struggles with APA in PPTs.

PowerPoint Slides - References

There are two ways to include the Reference list in your presentation:

• Coordinating reference lists are typically handed out during or after the presentation either in print if presenting in person, or electronically if presenting online. This is the preferred method of including a Reference list of the sources cited in your slide deck.
• Include a Reference list in the last slide of the presentation. This is an acceptable method if there are not many resources to include. Avoid adding so many resources to the list that the type is not legible to those attending the presentation

Creating the Reference List Slide

• If you use outside sources in your presentation (noted in your in-text citations), you must cite those sources on a References page/slide.
• Your Reference page can be created in NoodleTools, exported to Microsoft Word, and distributed or submitted with your slides to those who attend your presentation. Ask your instructor if they would like a Reference slide as the last slide of your presentation. Note that you may need more than one slide depending on how many references are needed.

See the slide deck below for more information.

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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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APA Citation Style 7th Edition: Class Handouts, Presentations, and Readings

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Presentation slides from moodle, presentation slides from cams, powerpoint presentation slides from a website, class handouts from moodle, class handouts from cams, class handout in print, class lectures (notes from).

Note : All citations should be double spaced and have a hanging indent in a Reference List.

A "hanging indent" means that each subsequent line after the first line of your citation should be indented by 0.5 inches.

In-Text Citation or References List

Handouts distributed in class and presentation slides such as Powerpoint should be cited both in-text and on the References 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 References list, since they are not a published source.

Instructor's Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if given. (Year Presentation Was Created). Title of presentation: Subtitle if any [PowerPoint presentation]. Moodle. URL of Moodle login page

Instructor's Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if given. (Year Presentation Was Created). Title of presentation: Subtitle if any [PowerPoint presentation]. CAMS. URL

Author's Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if given. (Year Presentation Was Created). Title of presentation: Subtitle if any [PowerPoint presentation]. Name of Website if given. URL

Note about h yperlinks:

It is acceptable for hyperlinks to be blue and underlined (live) or black without underlining.

All hyperlinks must include https://

Instructor's Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if given. (Year Handout Was Created if known). Title of handout: Subtitle if any [Class handout]. Moodle. URL of Moodle login page

Note: To cite other readings , follow the model for that type of document: eg a chapter from a book with an editor, an article from a library database, etc.. You do not need to identify Moodle as the source. If the instructor has not provided details that are necessary to to cite the reading, contact them to ask for these.

Instructor's Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if given. (Year Handout Was Created if known). Title of handout: Subtitle if any [Class handout]. CAMS. URL

Instructor's Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if given. (Year Handout Was Created if known). Title of handout: Subtitle if any [Class handout]. Columbia College, Course code.

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 References list. Put the citation right after a quote or paraphrased content from the class lecture.

(First Initial of Faculty Who Gave Lecture. Second Initial if known. Last Name, personal communication, Month Day, Year lecture took place)

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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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APA for PowerPoint Presentations

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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How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation in APA 7?

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💡 Before we show you how to cite a PowerPoint in APA, we would like to tell you that all examples and explanations are about APA 7th edition .

In your PowerPoint presentation, you’re going to use a combination of texts and images to present information. You’ll need to cite the sources for these documents and media so your audience knows where to find out more about the topic.

This way, you will both adhere to the rules of using copyrighted information and show that your knowledge on the topic is well researched and you have spent time finding the resources.

What we will discuss in this article is the APA standard and how to make a proper PowerPoint citation in APA standard. Let’s dig deep.

Article Overview: 1. What is Apa? 2. Why do people use APA as a standard? 3. How to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA? 4. How to Cite a Picture in PowerPoint?

1. What is APA?

APA is one of the most popular and widely used styles for writing research papers. This style of writing citations and citing sources is used in most social sciences – mainly psychology, sociology, and education. The acronym comes from A merican P sychological A ssociation. You can check APA’s website for more information .

2. Why do people use APA as a standard?

Before we tell you how to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA style, we need to clarify the main reason why people use this style. As the most common standard, it is widely accepted around the world, and the manuals have been sold millions of times.

What makes the APA citation style so popular among educational institutions is that it gives “weight” to the documents that are being examined. Adding the sources and using the right way to present the sources could greatly influence the credibility of any thesis or PowerPoint presentation.

3. How to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA?

There aren’t one or two ways to cite a Powerpoint presentation in APA. Why? Because there are different conditions that can affect the accessibility of the original source. Let’s see some of the most common occasions in citing PowerPoint presentations in APA style.

3.1. Citing a PowerPoint in APA – Accessible Documents

This is probably the best-case scenario for citations, as your readers will have access to the information, thus they can easily find the original source. Bear in mind you should not include PowerPoint presentations in the reference list if your audience cannot access them.

3.1.1. Citing in PowerPoint from public sites

When you have the source and it is an available webpage, you will have to link directly to the original source.

N.B.  You should always  cite the original source. If you have found a piece of statistics somewhere – let’s say a WeForum article , it is not the original source, thus you cannot refer to information that has not been published by the author.

3.1.2. Citing PowerPoints on password-protected portals

When it comes to citing from a university or other password-protected website, you should refer to the login page, as a direct link will lead to it. Let’s see an example I’ve made up myself.

N.B.  Sometimes, there is no author mentioned. In such cases, we proceed in two ways:

• If there is no author, but an organization that is behind the source:

What we have done is we have replaced the author’s name with the name of the organization that has published the report.

• If there is an unknown author.

In case there’s an unknown author, we replace their name with the title.

3.2. Citing a PowerPoint in APA – Inaccessible Documents

In case your PowerPoint slide is inaccessible to readers, then you have the option to cite the source as personal communication. Let’s see how this happens.

During the presentation, Peterson made a prediction that low-fare airlines will become dominant by 2030 (personal communication, June 3, 2022).

You can add personal communication citations in parentheses somewhere in the text but not in the reference list, as the original source cannot be directly tracked.

3.3. Citing a PowerPoint Slide

Sometimes, a slide during a presentation makes a great impression and you want to add it to your sources. When this happens, it’s better to cite the original source, rather than the PowerPoint slide itself, because of the requirements we discussed in 3.1.1.

4. How to Cite a Picture in PowerPoint?

If you want to learn how to cite a picture in PowerPoint in APA format, then you should apply some different techniques. What you need to do first is to have a very detailed look at the terms and conditions of the original image. Some images require attribution while others don’t.

Once you insert the image, you need to then create a new text box, align it at the center and write the following:

Figure 1. Image Description. Adapted from SOURCE . Retrieved from  SOURCE LINK.  Copyright by  COMPANY NAME COPYRIGHTS  (located at the bottom).

Let’s see how it’s done in practice.

Figure 1. Carbon Footprint and Renewable Energy. Adapted from GraphicMama. Retrieved from https://graphicmama.com/design-bundle/infographic-template-collection#flat-tree-vector-ecology-infographic-template. Copyright by © 2022 GraphicMama.com

Learning how to cite a PowerPoint presentation correctly is crucial if you are submitting your thesis or working on a serious project. The APA style has specific rules that should be followed for your presentations or paper dissertations to look formatted and credible.

If you found our content useful, why don’t you check some of our other tutorials related to PowerPoint and presentations in general:

• 10 Practical Tips to Grab Attention and Make an Impact in Your PowerPoint Presentation
• How to Add Audio to PowerPoint: The Quick Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Get Started with PowerPoint + Guide and Resources

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Home / Guides / Citation Guides / APA Format / How to Cite a Lecture in APA

How to Cite a Lecture in APA

Lecture and PowerPoint presentations are often great sources of information for specific papers. This guide will show you how to cite lectures and PowerPoint presentation slides following APA 7th edition guidelines. The type of lecture (e.g., classroom, conference, etc.) and format of the information (saw lecture, accessed slides, etc.) will determine what citation format you use.

Guide overview

Citing a conference presentation

Citing a classroom presentation/lecture slides.

• Citing a classroom presentation/lecture you watched
• Citing a recorded presentation (video)

Troubleshooting

Presenter #1 Last name, F. M., & Presenter #2 Last Name, F. M. (Year, Month Day of conference). Name of presentation [Presentation format]. Name of Conference, Location. URL

Jacobson, T.E., & Mackey, T. (2013, April 10-13). What’s in the name?: Information literacy, metaliteracy, or transliteracy [Panel session]. Association of College & Research Libraries, Indianapolis, IN, United States. https://www.slideshare.net/tmackey/acrl-2013

In-text citation structure & example:

(Lecture Last Name, Year)

(Jacobson & Mackey, 2013)

If you are citing a classroom presentation file you’ve viewed or accessed, use the following structure.

Lecturer Last name, F. M. (Year, month date). Title of lecture [Description of file type]. Department name, university name. URL

Prosser, M. (2021, October 18). Introduction to rhetorical forms [PowerPoint slides]. English and Modern Languages Department, California Polytechnic State University. https://https://english.calpoly.edu/

(Lecturer Last Name, Year)

(Prosser, 2021)

Citing a presentation/lecture you have watched

If you are citing information you learned through a presentation/lecture you attended, FIRST see if you can find the documented source (e.g., book, article, etc.) the presenter got the information from. If the information is original and the presentation was the primary source, treat the information as personal communication.  This means you ONLY need to cite it in an in-text citation and no reference list entry is needed.

In-text citation structure & examples:

(Presenter First Initial., Last Name, personal communication, Month Day, Year of presentation)

(L. Koerte, personal communication, March 17, 2021)

L. Koerte (personal communication, March 17, 2021)

Citing a recorded presentation/lecture (video)

Cite the recording as you would cite a regular video. The person or channel who uploaded/published the video is credited as the “author” even if they did not conduct the presentation/lecture.

Uploader Last name, F. M. (Year, month date). Title of video [Video]. Website Name. URL

Stanford. (2002, January 13). Einstein’s general theory of relativity | Lecture 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbmf0bB38h0

(Uploader Last Name, Year)

(Stanford, 2002)

Solution #1: Citing a presentation that comes from a classroom’s website or learning management system (LMS)

If the slides you are citing come from a classroom website or learning management system (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, and you are writing for an audience that has access to the site, then provide the name of the site and the URL for the login page.

Reference page structure:

Last name, F. M. (Date). Presentation title in sentence case [PowerPoint slides]. LMS name@University name acronym. Link to login page

Reference page example:

Vincent, P. (2020).  Recognizing rhetorical devices in visual rhetoric  [PowerPoint slides]. Blackboard@ULV. https://idp.quicklaunchsso.com/laverne

In-text citation structure: 

Narrative citation: Last Name (Year)

Parenthetical citation: (Last Name, Year)

In-text citation examples:

Narrative citation: Vincent (2020)

Parenthetical citation: (Vincent, 2020)

APA Formatting Guide

APA Formatting

• Annotated Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Multiple Authors
• Paraphrasing
• Page Numbers
• Parenthetical Citations
• Reference Page
• Sample Paper
• APA 7 Updates
• View APA Guide

Citation Examples

• Book Chapter
• Journal Article
• Magazine Article
• Newspaper Article
• Website (no author)
• View all APA Examples

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• Research Guides

Citing Business Sources in APA Style

7. citing sources in presentations.

• 1. About this guide
• 2. Citing references in-text
• 3. Citing sources in your reference list
• 4. Reference List Examples: Brock Library Business Databases
• 5. Reference List Examples: Statistical Sources
• 6. Reference List Examples: Audiovisual Sources

7.3: Using Reference Lists in Presentations

7.4: apa style powerpoint help.

• The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA Style) was designed to assist writers in preparing research papers (such as journal articles) and therefore does not actually contain any guidelines on preparing powerpoint presentations according to APA Style.
• Typically, if you are required to create a presentation according to APA Style, you should clarify with your professor if he/she actually just expects you to put your in-text citations and references in APA Style.

7.1: In-text citations in Presentations

• You can cite references within the text of your presentation slide using the same APA format for in-text citations (Author, Date) as in a written essay.
• Remember to cite sources for direct quotations, paraphrased materials, and sources of facts (such as market share data in the example slide).
• Your Reference List must include the sources cited on your presentation slides.

7.2: Using Images on Slides

If you use images, such as photographs or clipart, on your slides, you should also credit the source of the image. Do not reproduce images without permission. There are sources for clipart and images that are "public use" according to Creative Commons licensing such as:

• Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/
• Google Advanced Image Search allows you so filter results by usage rights (e.g., free to use or share):  https://www.google.com/advanced_image_search
• ClipSafari:  https://www.clipsafari.com
• Openclipart.org:  https://openclipart.org/
• Noun Project:  https://thenounproject.com   (free membership, must give credit to creator of icon following a specific format)

Photographs are treated as figures in APA Style. Therefore, the citation for the source of the image is included as a footnote in the figure caption underneath the photograph which includes the figure number and a description. The source of the image obtained is attributed using the following model:

Figure 1. Blah blah blah. From Title of Image , by Author, Year. Retrieved from URL.

Figure 1. Photograph of a sculpture in Cupertino, California. From Infinite Loop II by Kurafire (2007, January 3).  Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/kurafire/343629962/.

Another option for citing image sources is to create a separate slide titled "Photo credits" or "Image Sources". For more assistance on the various ways to cite images in presentations (but not necessarily in APA format), see:

• Image Citation Guide (UBC Copyright Office)
• How to credit photos (Photoshare.org). Provides examples of various ways to credit image sources in Powerpoint, on webpages, and in print materials.
• How to cite clip art or stock image references (APA Style website) Consult the APA Style site for the latest guidance on how to cite images according to the 7th edition.

Option 1: Create a References handout (recommended)

Option 2: Create a References slide (if you only have a few items in your list)

• use a large enough font (e.g., 24 points)
• limit to 12 lines of text on each slide

• Power up your PowerPoint (gradPSYCH at APA.org) Seven research-backed tips for effective presentations. Includes links to digital extras: "the worst PowerPoint presentation ever made" and "Comedian Don McMillan's PowerPoint pet peeves".
• << Previous: 6. Reference List Examples: Audiovisual Sources
• Last Updated: Apr 21, 2023 9:32 AM
• URL: https://researchguides.library.brocku.ca/APABusiness

Cite a presentation or lecture in APA style

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• Select style:
• Archive material
• Chapter of an edited book
• Conference proceedings
• Dictionary entry
• Dissertation
• DVD, video, or film
• E-book or PDF
• Edited book
• Encyclopedia article
• Government publication
• Music or recording
• Online image or video
• Presentation
• Press release
• Religious text

Use the following template or our APA Citation Generator to cite a presentation or lecture. For help with other source types, like books, PDFs, or websites, check out our other guides. To have your reference list or bibliography automatically made for you, try our free citation generator .

Reference list

Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.

In-text citation

Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.

Popular APA Citation Guides

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

APA PowerPoint Slide Presentation

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects APA 6, which is now out of date. It will remain online until 2021, but will not be updated. The equivalent APA 7 page can be found here .

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.

How to Apa Cite in a PowerPoint

When creating a PowerPoint presentation for academic or professional purposes, you may need to cite sources in accordance with the APA citation style. Properly citing sources is essential for recognizing the work of other authors and avoiding plagiarism, and it also strengthens the credibility of your own ideas and arguments. In this article, we will guide you through the process of APA citing in PowerPoint presentations, from understanding the APA citation style to managing APA citations in your slides.

Table of Contents

Understanding the APA Citation Style

The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style is a set of guidelines for formatting academic papers, articles, and books. APA style involves several rules for in-text citations and reference lists, including the use of author-date format for in-text citations and a consistent and structured format for reference lists. In-text citations include the author’s last name and the year of publication, while the reference list provides detailed information about the sources used in the presentation.

It is important to note that the APA citation style is widely used in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and education. The style is designed to provide clarity and consistency in academic writing, making it easier for readers to understand and follow the sources used in a paper. Additionally, the APA citation style is regularly updated to reflect changes in the field, ensuring that it remains relevant and useful for researchers and scholars.

Why Citing Sources is Important in PowerPoint Presentations

Citing sources in PowerPoint presentations is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it is a sign of academic integrity and honesty. Proper citing acknowledges the work of other people and provides credit to them for their ideas and research. Secondly, it shows the extent of your research and adds more depth and credibility to your own ideas and arguments. Additionally, proper citing helps you avoid plagiarism, which could have serious consequences for your academic or professional career.

Moreover, citing sources in your PowerPoint presentation allows your audience to verify the information you have presented. It gives them the opportunity to explore the sources you have used and gain a deeper understanding of the topic. This can also lead to further discussions and debates, which can enhance the overall learning experience for everyone involved.

How to Use In-Text Citations in a PowerPoint Presentation

The APA citation style uses in-text citations to indicate the sources of your information in the slides. To include an in-text citation, provide the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses at the end of the sentence. If you use a direct quote, include the page number as well. For example, “(Smith, 2019, p. 50)”.

It is important to note that in-text citations need to include all the necessary information to help the audience locate the source in the reference list.

Another important aspect to consider when using in-text citations in a PowerPoint presentation is to make sure that they are placed in a consistent and clear manner throughout the slides. You can choose to place them at the bottom of the slide or in the speaker notes section, but make sure to use the same format for all citations.

Additionally, it is recommended to limit the number of in-text citations in your presentation to avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information. Instead, focus on including only the most relevant and important sources that support your presentation’s main points.

Tips for Creating a Reference List in a PowerPoint Presentation

The reference list is a crucial part of APA citation style. In a PowerPoint presentation, the reference list should be included at the end of the presentation on a separate slide or slides. The reference list should include all the sources cited in the presentation, and they must be cited in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.

The reference list should include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year, title of the source, and publication information. For example, a book reference should be structured as follows: Author’s last name, first initial. (year of publication). Title of the book. Publisher.

You can refer to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association to learn more about the specific rules and formats for creating a reference list in APA citation style.

It is important to note that the reference list should only include sources that have been cited in the presentation. Any sources that were consulted but not cited should not be included in the reference list. Additionally, if a source has multiple authors, all authors should be listed in the reference list in the order they appear on the source.

Another helpful tip is to double-check the formatting of the reference list before finalizing the presentation. Make sure that all sources are properly formatted and that there are no typos or errors. A well-formatted reference list can help to enhance the credibility and professionalism of the presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding APA Citations in PowerPoint

Adding APA citations in PowerPoint presentations requires the following steps:

• Identify the sources to be cited in your presentation.
• Write down the necessary information for each source, including the author’s name, publication year, and title.
• Insert the in-text citations in the appropriate locations in your slides.
• Create a separate slide or slides for the reference list and list the sources in APA format.

It is important to double-check all the citations and references to ensure they are accurate.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a citation management tool, such as Zotero or EndNote, to help organize and format your citations and references. These tools can save you time and ensure consistency in your citations throughout your presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Citing Sources in a PowerPoint Presentation

Mistakes in APA citing can significantly undermine the credibility of your presentation and harm your academic or professional reputation. Common mistakes to avoid when citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation include:

• Incorrectly formatted in-text citations and reference lists.
• Failure to provide specific page numbers for direct quotes.
• Misinterpreting or misrepresenting the source material.
• Plagiarizing the work of others.

Another common mistake to avoid when citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation is failing to cite all sources used. It is important to give credit to all sources that have contributed to your presentation, even if they were not directly quoted. This includes images, graphs, and data that were obtained from external sources. Failing to cite these sources can lead to accusations of plagiarism and can damage your credibility as a presenter.

Best Practices for Using APA Citations in PowerPoint Presentations

To improve the effectiveness of your APA citations in a PowerPoint presentation, here are some best practices to follow:

• Cite only high-quality, reliable sources that are relevant to your presentation.
• Use images and graphs to enhance your presentation, but remember to cite them as well.
• Provide clear and concise explanations of the sources you cite to avoid confusion.
• Practice proper citation formatting and double-check everything before presenting.

Another important best practice for using APA citations in PowerPoint presentations is to make sure that you are consistent in your citation style throughout the presentation. This means using the same formatting for all citations, including in-text citations and the reference list. In addition, it is important to make sure that all citations are accurate and up-to-date, as outdated or incorrect information can undermine the credibility of your presentation. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your APA citations are effective and enhance the overall quality of your PowerPoint presentation.

How to Format APA Citations in a PowerPoint Presentation

The APA citation style has specific rules for formatting in-text citations and reference lists in PowerPoint presentations. In-text citations should be placed within parentheses and include the author’s last name and year of publication. The reference list should be structured with the author’s name, publication year, title, and other publication details such as publisher or journal title.

Examples of Properly Formatted APA Citations in PowerPoint Slides

Here are some examples of properly formatted APA citations for PowerPoint slides:

• In-text citation: (Smith, 2019)
• In-text citation for direct quote: (Smith, 2019, p. 50)
• Reference list for book: Smith, J. (2019). The Title of the Book. Publisher.
• Reference list for journal: Smith, J. (2019). Title of the article. Journal Title, Volume Number, Page Range.

How to Edit and Manage APA Citations in Your PowerPoint Presentation

If you need to edit or manage APA citations in your PowerPoint presentation, use the following steps:

• Highlight the citation you want to edit.
• Make the necessary changes to the citation, including author’s name, date, or page number.
• Double-check the accuracy of the citation.
• Update the reference list if necessary.

Tips for Including Images and Graphs with APA Citations in Your PowerPoint Presentation

When including images and graphs in your PowerPoint presentation, it is important to cite them properly using APA citation style. To do this, include a caption beneath the image that includes the author’s name, date, and title of the work. In the reference list, provide the necessary publication information for the image or graph.

How Do You Deal With Missing Information When Citing Sources In A PowerPoint Presentation?

If you encounter missing information when citing sources in your PowerPoint presentation, try to provide as much information as possible. If you are unable to locate the date or other information, use the abbreviation “n.d.” (no date) in place of the publication year. If you are citing a source without an author, use the title of the work instead.

Understanding Plagiarism: What It Is and How to Avoid It When Citing Sources In Your PowerPoint Presentations

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work as your own without proper citation. Plagiarism can have serious consequences, including damage to your academic or professional reputation. To avoid plagiarism when citing sources in your PowerPoint presentations, make sure to follow the APA citation style guidelines carefully and properly cite all sources used in the presentation. Additionally, make sure to paraphrase and summarize sources in your own words to avoid copying and pasting directly from sources without proper citation.

Besides APA citation style, there are other citation styles that you can use when creating a PowerPoint presentation. Some common citation styles include MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. The specific citation style you use may depend on your field of study or the preferences of your instructor or organization. Before beginning your presentation, ensure that you understand the citation style requirements and guidelines to follow.

Closing Thoughts

Citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation is a critical aspect of academic and professional work. Following the APA citation style guidelines will help you to present accurate and credible information while avoiding plagiarism. We hope this exhaustive guide has provided you with a better understanding of how to APA cite in your PowerPoint presentations. Remember to always double-check your citations and reference lists and follow the best practices for using APA citations to ensure the success of your academic and professional work.

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