Free Online Tool

Google Docs Citation Helper

Convert key-based inline citations into ordered numeric references and generate bibliography blocks for Google Docs drafts.

Renumber citations for Google Docs from local reference keys

Document text (use [@key] markers)Reference lines (key | citation text | optional URL)

Parsed references

Cited references used

Unused references

Rewritten text with numeric citations

Knowledge workers switch between tasks more often than expected [1, 2].
A shorter planning loop can improve throughput in distributed teams [3].

Bibliography output

# References

1. Mark, T. (2024). Context Switching Costs in Product Teams. (https://example.com/mark2024)
2. Lee, A. (2023). Async Collaboration Patterns. (https://example.com/lee2023)
3. Chen, P. (2022). Sprint Planning for Small Teams. (https://example.com/chen2022)

What problem does this tool solve?

Writers lose time renumbering citations manually whenever source order changes during editing.

How to use Google Docs Citation Helper

Paste document text using citation markers like [@sourceKey].
Paste reference definitions as key | citation text | optional URL.
Copy rewritten text and numbered bibliography output.

FAQ: Google Docs Citation Helper

Can I keep writing with stable source keys first?

Yes. Use [@key] while drafting, then convert to numeric citations when finalizing.

Will it show missing citation keys?

Yes. Any key used in text without a matching reference row is reported.

Does this require Google Docs API access?

No. It is a local text transformer that you can copy into Google Docs.