In short. Open an inline citation or select Sources at the end of a ChatGPT search response to inspect linked references.
Definition: As of 17 October 2026, a ChatGPT search answer can include inline citations, which are selectable references within the answer. The Sources interface collects cited sources and other relevant links; selecting an inline citation opens its source.
Key facts
- OpenAI's ChatGPT search help page describes Sources as containing cited sources and other relevant links, when available.
- OpenAI's Enterprise and Edu documentation places the Sources control at the end of a response.
- OpenAI's search introduction describes a Sources button that opens a sidebar of references, including links to news articles and blog posts.
How do inline citations work?
OpenAI's Enterprise and Edu guide explains that selecting a citation opens the source. On desktop web, hovering over a citation may display more information about that source. These controls provide a route from the answer to the linked page.
For checking a particular statement, the inline reference provides a starting point: the linked page can be opened and compared with the statement in the response. The preview helps identify the reference before opening it.
What appears in Sources?
OpenAI's search introduction describes the sidebar opened by the button below the response. It gives news articles and blog posts as examples of linked sources. This is the reference panel associated with the answer.
The Enterprise and Edu documentation describes its contents as cited sources and other relevant links. A review can therefore distinguish a reference attached to answer text from an additional relevant link in the panel. OpenAI does not describe this interface as an exhaustive log of every page retrieved or considered during a search.
How should the linked pages be checked?
OpenAI's search help page recommends opening the cited page and comparing its content with the answer. Its publication or update date also matters when the answer concerns changing information.
The same guidance recommends authoritative sources when accuracy matters. If a result appears wrong, a further search can specify a source, date, or location. Reading the linked page is part of checking the answer, even when a citation appears beside the statement.
Related terms
FAQ
Where should I look for the Sources button?
Look at the end of the response. OpenAI's Enterprise and Edu guide identifies that position; its search introduction describes the button below the answer opening a reference sidebar.
Can I inspect a source without opening its page immediately?
On desktop web, you can hover over an inline citation to see source information when available. Select the citation when you want to open the source itself.
Sources
- OpenAI, "Searching the web with ChatGPT", accessed 17 October 2026
- OpenAI, "ChatGPT search for Enterprise and Edu", accessed 17 October 2026
- OpenAI, "Introducing ChatGPT search", 31 October 2024
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