How to cite a bioRxiv preprint
Quick answer
Include the DOI, the bioRxiv version number, and [Preprint] after the title.
Why this one is tricky
Like ArXiv, bioRxiv preprints can be revised or superseded by a peer-reviewed publication.
Example (APA 7)
Nguyen, B., & Okafor, C. (2024). Novel protein folding pathways in yeast [Preprint]. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.03.15.EXAMPLE
Most common mistake
Forgetting to check whether the preprint has since been peer-reviewed.
Citing a bioRxiv preprint more than once?
Use the free Citation Generator for a single reference, or upload your whole .docx to DEEPNOTIS to handle every tricky citation at once.
Last updated: 5 May 2026