Easy Tech TutsHow to Quote in Google Docs Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Adding properly formatted quotes and citations to a Google Doc doesn't have to mean manually indenting paragraphs or typing out bibliography entries by hand. Google Docs has a built-in Citations tool that handles block quote indentation and generates parenthetical references automatically. This guide walks through setting up a quote, choosing a citation style, and building a source list.
01Select your quote text
Highlight the passage you want to use as a block quote, then drag the ruler's left indent handle inward to visually separate it from the surrounding paragraph.
02Open the Citations tool
Go to Tools > Citations in the top menu and choose your preferred style guide, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.
03Add a citation source
Click 'Add citation source,' pick the source type (web article, book, or journal), and fill in details like author, title, and publication date.
04Insert the inline citation
Place your cursor at the end of the quoted text, hover over the saved source in the sidebar, and click 'Cite' to auto-insert the correct reference tag.
05Generate the bibliography
Scroll to the end of your document and click 'Insert bibliography' to automatically render a formatted source list from everything you've cited.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch citation styles after adding sources?
Yes, you can change the style selection in the Citations panel and Google Docs will reformat your existing citations and bibliography accordingly.
Does the bibliography update automatically if I add more sources?
You need to re-insert or refresh the bibliography after adding new citations so it reflects the latest source list.
Is the Citations tool free to use?
Yes, it's a built-in feature of Google Docs available to any Google account holder at no extra cost.
Can I manually edit an inserted citation?
Yes, inline citations and bibliography entries are regular text once inserted, so you can adjust formatting or wording as needed.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
