An APA software citation follows the format: Developer or Company. (Year). Title of software (Version version) [Computer software]. Publisher. URL. If developer and publisher are the same, omit the publisher.
How to Cite Software and Mobile Apps in APA 7th Edition
When writing software citations, provide the developer, the year of release or current version update, the italicized software title, the version number in parentheses, a bracketed format description (either `[Computer software]` or `[Mobile app]`), and the publisher and URL.
The basic format for citing software is:
APA Software Citation Examples
| Type | APA 7th Edition Citation |
|---|---|
| Desktop Software (MATLAB) | MathWorks. (2023). MATLAB (Version 9.14) [Computer software]. https://www.mathworks.com/products/matlab.html |
| Mobile Application | Duolingo. (2024). Duolingo: Language lessons (Version 5.120) [Mobile app]. App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/duolingo-language-lessons/id570060128 |
| R Package / Code library | Wickham, H. (2016). ggplot2: Elegant graphics for data analysis (Version 3.4.0) [Computer software]. CRAN. https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/ggplot2 |
Key Rules for Software References
- [Format] brackets: Always write the type of software in square brackets: e.g., `[Computer software]` or `[Mobile app]`. Do not italicize this description.
- Italics: Italicize the name of the software or app. Use sentence case capitalization.
- Version: Always specify the version number in parentheses after the title: e.g., `(Version 2.5)`.
- Omission: If the developer is the same as the publisher, omit the publisher name at the end.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite software or a mobile app in APA format?
To cite software or a mobile app in APA 7th edition: Developer/Company. (Year). Title of software (Version Version Number) [Computer software/Mobile app]. Publisher. URL. For example: MathWorks. (2023). MATLAB (Version 9.14) [Computer software]. https://www.mathworks.com/products/matlab.html
Do I need to cite standard software packages like Microsoft Word or Excel?
No. APA 7th edition specifies that you do not need reference list citations or in-text citations for common software, mobile apps, or programming languages (e.g. Word, Excel, Python, Java, Photoshop) if they are just mentioned in passing. Only cite specific, specialised software or code packages that are central to your research methodology.
Who is listed as the author for software or apps?
List the individual developer(s) if they are explicitly credited. If the software is produced by an organization or company (e.g., Apple, Microsoft, MathWorks), list the company name in the author position.
What if the software does not have a version number?
If the software does not have a version number, omit that element from the citation. Do not include (n.d.) or "unknown" for the version number.
Is this APA software citation generator free?
Yes, this tool is 100% free with no account signups or usage limits. Use URL auto-fill or enter the details manually.