How to Cite a PDF in APA with Multiple Authors
Citing a PDF in APA format with multiple authors can sometimes be a bit confusing, especially if you are new to the APA style. However, with a clear understanding of the guidelines, you can easily create an accurate and professional citation. In this article, we will walk you through the process of citing a PDF with multiple authors in APA format.
General Format
When citing a PDF with multiple authors in APA format, the general format is as follows:
Author(s). (Year). Title of the document. Retrieved from URL
Example
Let’s consider an example to illustrate this format:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/climate_change_pdf
In this example, we have three authors: Smith, Johnson, and Brown. The publication year is 2020, and the title of the document is “The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems.” The URL is the location where the PDF can be found online.
Formatting Multiple Authors
When citing a PDF with multiple authors, it’s important to follow APA’s guidelines for formatting the author list. Here’s how to format the author list for different scenarios:
1. Two Authors: Simply list both authors’ last names, followed by their first initials.
Example: Smith, J., & Johnson, L.
2. Three or More Authors: List the first author’s last name, followed by their first initial. Then, use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s last name, followed by their first initial.
Example: Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M.
3. Authors with the Same Last Name: Include the first author’s first initial to differentiate between them.
Example: Smith, J., Smith, K., & Smith, L.
Formatting the Title
When citing a PDF in APA format, the title should be written in sentence case, with only the first word, any proper nouns, and any word that follows a hyphen or colon capitalized.
Example: The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems
Formatting the Publication Year
The publication year should be written in parentheses, immediately following the authors’ names.
Example: (2020)
Formatting the URL
The URL should be written in lowercase letters, with no punctuation or spaces. Begin with “http://” or “https://,” followed by the complete URL.
Example: https://www.example.com/climate_change_pdf
Conclusion
Citing a PDF in APA format with multiple authors can be a straightforward process once you understand the guidelines. By following the format outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and professional. Always double-check the APA manual or your institution’s specific requirements for any additional guidelines.
