Skip to Main Content

APA 7th referencing style

This is a guide to using the APA7 referencing style from the American Psychological Association. It is based on the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

When do I reference software or apps?

  • Software or apps that are common (to your field or audience) do not need to have in-text references and reference list entries. Just include the full software or app name and the version in brackets (if relevant). For example, Covidence (Version 2).
  • If they have limited access or distribution, the in-text reference and reference list entries are required. Please see the examples below.
  • If you have quoted or paraphrased from software or an app, they also need to use an in-text reference and include a reference list entry.
  • If you used a website to create something like a survey, include the website name and address in text. For example - We used Checkbox (https:www/checkpoint.com) to create our survey. An in-text reference and including a reference list entry isn't required.

Software

Elements of the reference

Author(s) last name, initial(s) or group author(s). (Year). Title of software - italicised (Version ver. number) [Computer software]. Publisher. Web address
In-text reference

(Psychology Software Tools, 2021)

Psychology Software Tools (2021) found that ....
Reference list

Psychology Software Tools. (2021). E-Prime (Version 3.0) [Computer software]. Psychology Software Tools. https://pstnet.com/products/e-prime/
EndNote reference type

Computer program

Mobile apps

Elements of the reference

Author(s) last name, initial(s) or group author(s). (Year). Title of software - italicised (Version ver. number) [Mobile app]. Apple Store OR Google Play. Web address
In-text reference

(Psycnet Software, 2020)

Psycnet Software (2020) found that ....
Reference list

Psycnet Software. (2020). The psychology blog (Version 2.0) [Mobile app]. Google Play. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newandromo.dev7998.app965243 
EndNote reference type

Computer program