How to Cite Software in APA 7th edition

Programs, applications, code repositories, and software packages.

Example in APA 7th edition

R Core Team. (2023). R: A language and environment for statistical computing (Version 4.3.2) [Computer software]. R Foundation for Statistical Computing. https://www.R-project.org/
In-text (R Core Team, 2023)

What APA 7th edition includes

These are the details of the example above that the style prints, so they are the ones to collect for your own source.

  • Software Name
  • Author(s)/Developer(s)
  • Publisher/Organization
  • Version
  • Release Date
  • URL

Check the repository (GitHub, GitLab) for version number, release date, and contributors. README files often contain the preferred citation format.

The formatting comes from the style's own file, so check the finer points against your guide. What to check by hand in APA 7th edition.

Software in other styles

MLA 9th edition Chicago 18th edition (notes and bibliography) Harvard (Cite Them Right 12th edition) IEEE Vancouver

Other sources in APA 7th edition

Website Book Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Dataset Patent Legal Case Legislation Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Manuscript Review Book Review Classic Work Reference Entry Dictionary Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Song Musical Score Graphic Figure Map Performance Event Pamphlet Preprint Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication Generative AI