01 / START
Start with the strongest source
Use a DOI for a journal or conference paper, an ISBN for a book, a public URL for a web page, or a title when that is all you have. For several sources, switch to Batch import and enter one item per line.
Free IEEE Citation Generator Online
Create reviewable IEEE citations from a DOI, URL, ISBN, or title—one source at a time or in batch.
Find source metadata
Use a DOI when one is available, or start with an ISBN, public URL, or title.
Reference details
Periodicals, transactions, and technical journals
SMART EXTRACTION / BETAPaste an existing citation
Use this for a rough field fill from an existing reference. It is a parser, not a metadata verification step.
Separate names with semicolons. Example: Ada Lovelace; Alan Turing
Keep the original capitalization. IEEE will add quotation marks where needed.
Use the standard IEEE abbreviation when you know it. The lookup may supply one.
Optional. This is the title used in the formatted reference.
The journal or series volume number.
The journal issue number.
Use a range such as 123-134. Article numbers are also accepted.
The publication year.
Optional. IEEE uses abbreviated month names.
Paste the DOI only or a doi.org link.
Your IEEE Reference List
Keep references in first-citation order, review their status, and copy or export the finished list.
0references
Your reference list is empty
Add a formatted citation above to build an ordered IEEE reference list.
Use Up and Down or drag a row to change its order. Numbering updates immediately.
How To Use The IEEE Citation Generator
Start with the strongest source identifier, verify the returned metadata, then add and export your references in paper order.
02 / CHECK
Review the metadata before you trust it
After you click Find metadata, compare the authors, title, venue, date, pages, and DOI or URL with the original source. “Format: Ready” means the fields can be formatted; “Metadata: Unverified” means you still need to confirm the record.
03 / ORDER
Add sources in paper order
When the required fields are complete, click Add to list. IEEE numbers references by first appearance, not alphabetically. Use Up, Down, or drag a row to match your paper, then reuse that reference number when you cite the source again.
04 / FINISH
Copy or export the finished list
After the details and order are checked, use Copy all for your document or Export for TXT, BibTeX, LaTeX, or DOCX. Keep the original source nearby and do one final check in your paper before submitting.
FAQ
Short answers for the points that most often slow down a reference list.
IEEE citation basics
What is IEEE citation style?
IEEE style uses bracketed numbers in the text and a numbered reference list. It is widely used in engineering, computing, and related technical fields.
How should IEEE references be ordered?
Number sources in the order they first appear in your paper. Reuse the same number every time you cite that source again.
Should author initials come before the family name?
In a typical IEEE reference, given-name initials appear before the family name, such as J. K. Smith. Always check the requirements of your target publication or course.
Should I include a DOI or a URL?
Use the DOI when a scholarly source has one. For a web page without a DOI, include a usable URL and an access date when the page can change over time.
Do I still need to check a generated citation?
Yes. Metadata providers can return missing authors, the wrong edition, or an unverified journal abbreviation. Compare the draft with the source before submission.
What if a source has no named author?
Do not invent one. For a web page or online source, begin with the title when no individual or organization is credited.
Using IEEE Citation Generator
What input gives the best result?
A DOI is usually the strongest starting point for journal and conference records. Use an ISBN for books, a public URL for web pages, or the manual fields for unusual sources.
What does unverified metadata mean?
The tool found a record, but it has not independently confirmed every critical field against the original source. Formatting status and metadata confidence are shown separately.
Can I process several sources at once?
Yes. Switch to Batch import, paste one source per line, and resolve up to 100 inputs. Each lookup keeps its own result and retry action.
Where is my reference list stored?
The working list is stored in this browser. No account is required. Clearing site data or moving to another browser removes access to that local copy.
Which export formats are available?
You can copy plain or rich text and export the list as TXT, BibTeX, LaTeX, or DOCX. DOCX generation runs in your browser.
Is IEEE Citation Generator affiliated with IEEE?
No. IEEE Citation Generator is an independent, unofficial citation formatting tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by IEEE.