How to Link and Cite Sources in APA
In APA 7th edition, include a working link only when the source is available online. Use the DOI URL first when one exists. If there is no DOI, include the clean source URL at the end of the reference without adding a period after the link.
APA Link Format Rule
The standard APA reference order is: Author. (Year). Title. Source. URL. The link appears at the end and should stay in plain text form. Do not break it with manual line spaces or extra punctuation.
When to Use DOI vs URL
| Source Type | Link to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Journal article with DOI | DOI URL | https://doi.org/10.1037/0000-0000 |
| Website article | Direct webpage URL | https://example.org/article |
| PDF report | Direct file/page URL | https://example.org/report.pdf |
| Print book | No URL needed | Publisher only |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding a period after the final URL.
- Using shortened URLs that hide the source.
- Adding retrieval dates for stable pages.
- Using homepage links instead of exact source links.
Need a quick formatter? Use our free APA citation generator and review more examples in our APA citation examples guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all APA references need a URL?
No. Include a URL only when the source is online and retrievable by readers. Print-only books or journals usually do not need a URL. If a DOI exists, use the DOI URL instead of a standard webpage URL.
Should I write Retrieved from before a link in APA 7?
In most cases, no. APA 7 removed Retrieved from for stable pages. Add a retrieval date only for content that changes over time, such as wiki entries or dynamic dashboards.
Can I shorten URLs in APA references?
Do not use custom shorteners. Keep the direct source URL or DOI URL so readers can verify the original source. Remove tracking parameters when possible.
What is preferred: DOI or URL?
DOI is preferred when available. Format it as a live URL, such as https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx. If no DOI exists, include the webpage URL.