APA 6th Referencing: Computer Software and Mobile Applications

Computer Software and Mobile Apps

Computer Software:

• It is not necessary to cite 'standard software' such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Java, Adobe Photoshop, SPSS or SAS.
• You should provide a reference for specialised software or computer programs with limited distribution.
• Do not italicise the names of software, programs, or languages.
• Do italicise the title of a data set.
• In parentheses immediately after the title, identify the version number (if any).

Reference Format:

• Rightsholder, A. A. (Year). Title of program (Version number) [Description of form]. Location: Name of Producer.
• Rightsholder, A. A. (Year). Title of program [Description of form]. Retrieved from http//xxxx

Examples:

• Esolang, A. N. (2014). Obscure Reference Generator [Computer software]. Washington, DC: E & K Press.
• Customized Synergy [Computer software]. (2014). Retrieved from http://customizedsynergy.com

Mobile Apps:

Reference format:

• Rightsholder, A. A. (year). Title of Software or Program (Version number) [Mobile application software]. Retrieved from http://xxxxx
• Note: the author may be an individual, but is often a group or company.

Example citation for a whole app:

• Skyscape. (2013). Skyscape Medical Resources (Version 1.17.42) [Mobile application software]. Retrieved from http://itunes.apple.com

For further information and examples:

App or Software Reference