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APA Citation Guide: How to Reference a PDF Without an Author

July 31, 2023 2.4K views

When writing academic papers or conducting research, it is essential to accurately reference sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit where it's due. However, when referencing a PDF without an author in APA format, it can be challenging to know the correct way to do so. Understanding the proper citation format for such sources is critical for any researcher or student.

How to Reference a PDF in APA without Author

Step # 1: Open your document in the WPS Office and place your cursor where you want to insert the citation.

Step # 2: Click on the "References" tab in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Step # 3: Select "Insert Citation" from the drop-down menu.

Step # 4: Click on "Add New Source" in the dialog box that appears.

Step # 5: In the "Source Type" drop-down menu, select "Electronic Source" since we are referencing a PDF.

Step # 6: Enter the title of the PDF in the "Title" field.

Step # 7: In the "Author" field, enter "Anonymous" since we do not know the author of the PDF.

Step # 8: Enter the year the PDF was published or uploaded in the "Year" field.

Step # 9: In the "URL" field, enter the web address where you accessed the PDF.

Step # 10: Click "OK" to save your citation.

Step # 11: To insert your citation in the document, place your cursor where you want to insert it and select it from the "Insert Citation" drop-down menu.

Step # 12: To create a reference list at the end of your document, click on "Bibliography" in the "References" tab and select the format you want (e.g., APA).

The process of referencing a PDF in APA format without an author can be done on any device, including desktops and mobile devices, as well as online tools. It can be accomplished on a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Mac, Android, and Linux. Additionally, popular browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Safari, Android Web, Firefox, and Opera can be used to complete this task.

Reference a PDF in APA without Author Using WPS PDF Tools

WPS Office has three PDF tools that can assist with referencing a PDF in APA format without an author. These tools are:

  1. PDF to Word Converter: This tool can convert a PDF file to an editable Word document. This can be useful for referencing a PDF without an author because it allows you to copy and paste the necessary information into your APA citation.

  2. PDF Editor: This tool allows you to edit a PDF file directly. With this tool, you can add or delete text, images, and other elements in the PDF, which can be useful if you need to add missing author information to your citation.

  3. PDF Converter: This tool can convert a PDF file to various formats such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. This can be useful if you need to extract specific information from a PDF to include in your APA citation.

WPS Office can be used both online and offline and can reference a PDF in APA format without an author using various content types such as text, links, pictures, images, and pages. You can use WPS tools like PDF to Word Converter, PDF Editor, and PDF Converter to extract information, edit, and convert PDFs to make accurate APA citations.

Advantages of Reference a PDF in APA without an Author

  1. Easy to Use: WPS Office tools are user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it simple to reference a PDF in APA format without an author.

  2. Multiple Tools: WPS Office offers multiple PDF tools, such as PDF to Word Converter and PDF Editor, that can help extract information and edit PDFs to create accurate APA citations.

  3. Customizable Citation Styles: WPS Office allows users to customize citation styles, including APA format, to fit their specific needs.

  4. Available Online and Offline: WPS Office tools can be used both online and offline, making it convenient for users to reference PDFs without an author from any location.

  5. Free and Subscription Versions: WPS Office offers a free version with basic features and a subscription version with advanced features such as cloud storage, unlimited document conversions, and priority technical support.

Tips to Reference a PDF in APA without Author

Here are three tips for referencing a PDF in APA format without an author using WPS Office tools:

  1. Use PDF to Word Converter: If you need to extract information from a PDF to include in your APA citation, consider using the PDF to Word Converter tool. This will convert the PDF to an editable Word document, allowing you to easily copy and paste the necessary information.

  2. Check for Missing Information: If the author of the PDF is unknown, be sure to check for other missing information such as the publication date or title. Try to include as much information as possible in your APA citation to make it as accurate as possible.

  3. Edit the PDF: If necessary, you can use the PDF Editor tool to add missing information to the PDF itself. This can be useful if you need to add an author name or publication date that is missing from the PDF.

FAQs on How to Reference a PDF in APA without an Author

What should I do if the author's name is not available on the PDF file?

In this case, you can use the organization or website that published the PDF as the author in your APA citation.

Can I use WPS Office tools to reference a PDF file in APA format without an author on my mobile device?

Yes, WPS Office tools are available on both desktop and mobile devices, and you can reference a PDF in APA format without an author on your mobile device using the WPS Office app.

Download WPS Office for a Free Trial

In conclusion, referencing a PDF in APA format without an author can be done easily and accurately using WPS Office tools. With its user-friendly interface, multiple PDF tools, and customizable citation styles, referencing a PDF has never been easier. I recommend WPS Office for referencing a PDF in APA format without an author due to its user-friendly interface, multiple PDF tools, and customizable citation styles, available both online and offline.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.