How to Add Citations in Google Slides

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Citations in Google Slides

Step 1: Open Your Google Slides Presentation

Go to Google Slides, and open the presentation you want to add citations to. You can also start a new one by typing slide.new in your browser.

Step 2: Choose Where to Place the Citation

Decide where the citation will appear:

Below a quote or image on a slide, or

On a dedicated slide at the end labeled “References” or “Works Cited.”

Step 3: Add a Text Box for the Citation

Click on Insert > Text box.

Click and drag on the slide to create a text box.

Step 4: Type Your Citation in the Correct Format

Type the citation manually in APA, MLA, or any required format.

Example (APA style):

Smith, J. (2020). *The Future of Technology*. Tech Publishing.

You can also use Google Scholar to copy citations in various formats:

Go to scholar.google.com.

Search for the source, click the quote symbol below the title, and copy the preferred citation format.

Step 5: Format the Citation Text

Make the font smaller (e.g., 10 or 11 pt) to fit neatly.

Italicize titles if required.

Align the citation properly (usually left-aligned or centered for a references slide).

Step 6: Add Hyperlinks if Citing a Website

Highlight the URL or text, then click the Insert link icon (🔗) or press Ctrl+K (Cmd+K).

Paste the source URL and click Apply.

Conclusion

Adding citations in Google Slides is essential to acknowledge your sources and enhance your presentation's credibility.

Whether it's a quote, image, or research data, proper citations show professionalism and integrity.

Use the above steps to easily insert citations in your slides with correct formatting.

FAQs can take you forward!

Is there a built-in citation tool in Google Slides?

No, Google Slides does not have a built-in citation tool. You need to add citations manually using text boxes.

Can I copy citations from Google Docs to Google Slides?

Yes! If you've used the citation tool in Google Docs, you can copy and paste the formatted citation into a text box in Google Slides.

Do I need to cite images in Google Slides?

Yes. If you're using images from the web or external sources, you must provide proper attribution or citation under the image or in a references slide.

About the author

Ayan Ahmad Fareedi— Senior Content Strategist — Amazon & Okaya alum

Ayan Ahmad is a Senior Content Strategist with hands-on experience crafting high-performing content for brands like Amazon and Okaya. He specializes in SEO-focused editorial systems, topical authority building, and user-first documentation. When he's not working, Ayan enjoys cinema and travel.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Citations in Google Slides

Step 1: Open Your Google Slides Presentation

Go to Google Slides, and open the presentation you want to add citations to. You can also start a new one by typing slide.new in your browser.