How do I cite software in APA?
Answer
Thank you for your question on citing software.
According to the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition, section 7.08:
"Reference entries are not necessary for standard software and programming languages, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Java, Adobe Photoshop, and even SAS and SPSS. In text, give the proper name of the software, along with the version number. Do not provide reference entries for specialized software of computer programs with limited distribution."
If you do need a citation, it follows this formula:
Software company. (year). Title of program (Version number, if applicable) [Description of form]. Location: Name of producer OR Retrieved from https://
- Example without rightsholder:
Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Version 2) [Computer software]. (year). Englewood, NJ: Biostat. Available from https://
- Example with rightsholder:
Smith, J. (year). Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Version 2) [Computer software]. Englewood, NJ: Biostat. Available from website address.
Thank you for using ASK US.
For additional questions, please visit the APA Help guide or contact your Baker librarians.
So using the examples in the answer, the in-text citations would be:
("Comprehensive Meta-Analysis", 2014) and (Smith, 2014), respectively.
In Microsoft Word, if you go to the File menu, select "Account," then click "About Word," you will see that the rights holder is the Microsoft Corporation.
Or if you are in Google Chrome, go to the "Settings" and then "About" and you will see the rights holder is Google Inc.
In Firefox, you can open the Help menu (the button looks like a question mark), select "About Firefox." This opens a window that lets me know that the software is open sourced, designed by Mozilla, and the name and logo are trademarked by the Mozilla Foundation.
It is really a matter of clicking around until you find the information you need, but look for words like "options," "settings," and "help."