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— writer at MagicSlides

Ayan Ahmad is our Senior Writer and brings over two years of experience from working with big companies like Amazon and Okaya. He loves writing stories that grab your attention and speak to a wide audience. When he's not working, you can find him watching movies or planning his next trip. Ayan's work is not just about words; it's about making every article special and interesting.

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.