How to Cite PDF Without Author
In academic writing, citing sources is an essential part of the process. However, there may be instances where you come across a PDF document without an author listed. This can pose a challenge when it comes to citing the source correctly. In this article, we will discuss how to cite a PDF without an author in various citation styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago.
APA Style
When citing a PDF without an author in APA style, you should follow these steps:
1. Start with the title of the document.
2. Place a period after the title.
3. Include the publication date, followed by a comma.
4. Write “Available at” and provide the URL of the PDF.
5. Close the citation with a period.
Example: “Title of the Document. (Publication Date). Available at https://www.example.com/pdf-document.pdf.”
MLA Style
In MLA style, citing a PDF without an author is similar to APA style:
1. Begin with the title of the document in quotation marks.
2. Follow the title with a period.
3. Provide the publication date in parentheses.
4. Write “Retrieved from” and include the URL of the PDF.
5. End the citation with a period.
Example: ““Title of the Document.” Publication Date. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/pdf-document.pdf.”
Chicago Style
Citing a PDF without an author in Chicago style is slightly different:
1. Start with the title of the document in italics.
2. Place a period after the title.
3. Write “n.p.” to indicate that the author is not listed.
4. Include the publication date in parentheses.
5. Write “Retrieved from” and provide the URL of the PDF.
6. End the citation with a period.
Example: “Title of the Document. n.p. (Publication Date). Retrieved from https://www.example.com/pdf-document.pdf.”
In conclusion, citing a PDF without an author may seem daunting, but by following the guidelines for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, you can effectively reference the source in your academic work. Always remember to check the specific requirements of your institution or publication when formatting your citations.
