FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers about searching for sources and reviewing citation results.
What can I search for?
You can enter a DOI, article title or keywords, a public webpage URL, or an ISBN. Title and keyword searches return candidates for you to choose. See how to find a DOI or return to the citation tool.
Which sources can the tool format as a citation?
The available citation format is NLM for medical journal articles. Books and webpages may be looked up, but their source-specific citation formats are not available yet. Read the NLM journal citation guide.
Are the retrieved details verified?
No. Details come from available metadata records and may be incomplete or differ from the published article. Compare them with the original source using this citation checking guide.
What does a missing-detail notice mean?
It means one or more required fields are blank. It does not mean the other fields have been checked for accuracy. Some articles use an article number or do not have traditional volume, issue, or page details.
Can I edit the citation details?
Yes. Open the result’s edit controls, make your changes, and review the citation preview before copying. The tool does not verify edits against the article.
Will my edits or searches be saved?
Edits stay on the current page and are not saved to an account or project. They disappear when you refresh or leave the page, so copy the corrected reference before closing it.
Does NLM follow every journal’s instructions?
NLM is the format used by this tool, but an instructor or journal may request additional details or formatting. Check the relevant instructions before submitting your work.