What is Purdue OWL?
The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is one of the best-known free writing resources on the web. It explains how to format papers and citations in APA, MLA and Chicago style, with sample papers and examples for every type of source.
Beyond citations, it covers grammar, punctuation, academic writing, research and job search writing. Everything is open to read without signing up.
Key features
- Up-to-date APA 7, MLA 9 and Chicago guides
- Sample papers and reference list examples
- Grammar, punctuation and style lessons
- Guides for research, academic and professional writing
Pros
- Trusted by universities worldwide
- Clear examples for almost every source type
- Completely free and ad-light
Cons
- It explains formats but does not generate citations for you
- Navigation can feel dense at first
Best for
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Purdue OWL FAQ
Is Purdue OWL free?
Purdue OWL is free to read without an account. It is run by Purdue University's Writing Lab.
Do I need an account to use Purdue OWL?
No. Purdue OWL works without signing up, so you can open owl.purdue.edu and start using it right away.
What are some alternatives to Purdue OWL?
Similar free tools that also work without an account include Desmos, GeoGebra, Wolfram Alpha, Khan Academy, PhET Simulations and ZoteroBib.