See this example properly formatted in the QUT Cite tool.
Generative AI (GenAI) tools, like Copilot, generate text or images in response to parameters entered by the user. See Using generative AI for more information.
You must verify that you are allowed to use generative AI before using it in your assessment, and you must acknowledge its use.
Using GenAI tools to search for information (as you would use Google or a database) or using common software that incorporates AI (such as Word or Studiosity) does not usually require referencing, unless your unit/lecturer requires it.
It is likely your unit will require you to describe how you used the tool or provide the prompts and results within the text or an appendix.
For assistance see Acknowledging generative AI in your assessments (page 4: Documenting prompts and outputs).
(AI Company, Year)
(OpenAI, 2023)
AI Company. (Year, month day). Title of chat [Format/Description]. Tool Name/Model. https://xxxxxxxxx.xxx
OpenAI. (2026, February 9). What time does Bad Bunny start playing at the superbowl in Brisbane? [Generative AI chat]. ChatGPT. https://chatgpt.com/share/69892e5e-1934-8003-93b3-0830e07f38a8
Microsoft. (2025, October 13). Can you summarise this article and turn the key points into a 3min oral lecture for a meeting in Australia? [Generative AI Chat]. Microsoft 365 Copilot. https://copilot.microsoft.com/
Microsoft. (2025, December 10). A picture of a chimpanzee/chicken hybrid. [Generative AI Chat]. Microsoft 365 Copilot. https://copilot.microsoft.com/
OpenAI. (2025, April 8). Tell me the parable of the Loose Samaritan. [Generative AI Chat]. CHATGPT-4. https://chatgpt.com/share/6941f6f6-8558-8003-a56f-29e48ba3cb08
Stability AI. (2025, December 17). Create an image of an Eevee looking at the river in Kangaroo Point. [Text-to-image model]. Stable Diffusion. https://stablediffusionweb.com/
The author is the company which makes the AI tool used. For more information see the button below.
The date is the year, month and day on which the chat occurred.
The title is the title of the chat, followed by a bracketed description of the source – adapt that description as needed.
The Tool Name/Model is the name of the AI tool used, or the specific model (e.g. CHATPGT-5) if you can find it.
Most AI tools now include a 'share' option which allows you to copy the URL of the specific chat. If this is not possible, use the URL of the tool.
For more information and examples of how to include the text and prompts you used, see the APA Blog.