Need to create a reference list or citation quickly? Try MyBib or ZoteroBib!

Are you looking for a fast and free way to generate accurate citations and bibliographies for your assignments or research projects? Perhaps you’ve tried some reference management software and found that it wasn’t really what you needed? If so, you may want to consider using a quick citation (or reference) generator.  The two that we recommend in the Library are MyBib and ZoteroBib.

What are they?

MyBib and ZoteroBib are free, online citation generators that help you create in-text citations and reference lists in a wide range of styles, including American Psychological Association 7 (APA 7 author-date style) and National Library of Medicine (NLM numbered referencing style). They don’t require an account or any downloads, making them ideal for one-off projects or quick referencing needs.

How can they help me?

Both MyBib and ZoteroBib are designed to make referencing simple and accessible:

• Search for your source using title, URL, DOI, ISBN or other identifiers
• Generate accurate citations in your chosen style instantly
• Copy and paste citations into your Word/Google document or export as a formatted reference list

• Switch between citation styles with a single click
• Basic sharing with a group
• No sign-up required – start referencing right away
• However – you should always check references for accuracy

What makes them different?

MyBib

• Offers browser extensions to help cite web pages instantly (you do have to download this)
• Lets you create and manage multiple projects
• Provides lots of context-sensitive help messages and suggestions
• Enables you to import (and export) references from a variety of sources
• You can create a free account if you think you might want to save your references and come back to them

ZoteroBib

• Built by the team behind the Zotero reference manager
• Focuses on speed and simplicity – ideal for short-term projects
• Automatically saves your bibliography in your browser (until you clear it)
• Allows you to export your work to Zotero for long-term reference management

Are there any limitations?

While MyBib and ZoteroBib are great for quick and simple referencing, they don’t offer advanced features like PDF storage and annotation, or full research management tools. For longer-term research projects with a large number of references, reference management software like Zotero or Mendeley may be more appropriate.

Also, as with any citation tool, it’s important to double-check your references for accuracy. Citation generators can make mistakes, especially with non-standard sources.

Ready to get started?

Try them out here:

• MyBib
• ZoteroBib

The Library also runs online training sessions on MyBib and Zotero.  Check DATES to see when the next Getting started with quick citation generators (Lunch+Learn) is.  You can always ‘Register interest’ if there’s nothing scheduled at the moment.

Need help with referencing?

Check out our Library webpages on Referencing and plagiarism, where you will find our APA 7 and NLM referencing guides, how to reference AI and other useful information.  You can always look at the Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism module on Canvas, or sign up for one of our online training events about referencing.

And last, but not least, please feel free to contact a librarian if you need referencing advice or want more information about quick citation generators, by emailing us on library@cranfield.ac.uk.