Determine which composition format to follow. This information is usually available in the course syllabus or can be secured from the course instructor. If you are writing for a publication, check the publication's submission guidelines. According to Noodle Tools, a bibliographic instructional company, academic papers are typically composed using either APA or MLA, with social sciences requiring APA, and English and literature disciplines using MLA.
Assess the type of online reference to be cited, such as non-periodical Web page, online encyclopedia or dictionary. For a comprehensive list, visit the Purdue Online Writing Lab (see References).
Ensure the reference material to be cited is close at hand. Launch the Web page of the reference to be cited.
Launch your preferred citation generator. The University at Albany, State University of New York's University Libraries website offers a comprehensive list of generators, including several Web-based options that are free of charge (see References).
Select the appropriate style (such as MLA or APA) and online reference type from the generator's drop-down menu.
Key in the required information. This may include author's name, article and publication title and date, and URL.
Copy and paste the resulting citation onto the reference or works cited page of the research paper, adhering to the paper's designated style.
Copy and past the resulting in-text citation into the text of the research paper, according to the paper's designated style.
Check your work for accuracy. Continue writing your paper.