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APA

ACU Library guide to referencing in APA7 style

When to cite

No citation needed

A citation is not needed for:

  • Standard office software (for example, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Standard programming languages (for example, Python, R, C++, Java).

In-text citation only

Use an in-text citation for:

  • Widely used software in your field. Simply include the name and version number in parentheses when first mentioned.
    • Example: Interview transcripts were analysed using NVivo (Version 15).
    • If no version number is available, cite the year during which the software was primarily used.  
      • Example: Covidence (2025) was used to screen studies.
  • Website-based tools. Mention the website name and URL directly in your text.

In-text citation and reference list entry

Use both an in-text citation and a reference list entry for:

  • Specialised or limited-access software.
  • Quoted or paraphrased content from any software or mobile app. Always cite and reference.

Software

Reference list

Author, A. A. or Corporate Author(s). (Year). Title of software (Version ver. number) [Computer software]. Publisher. URL

Example:

The jamovi project. (2024). jamovi (Version 2.6) [Computer Software]. https://www.jamovi.org/

In-text citation examples

Jamovi's Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) capabilities are built upon lavaan, a widely used R package for SEM, which offers flexibility in model specification and estimation (The jamovi project, 2024).

Notes

  • For widely-used software in your field, an in-text citation is only required.
  • Both an in-text citation and reference list entry is required for limited access or specialised software that is not well known, or when you quote or paraphrase from the software itself. 
  • Where there is no version number, cite the year when most of all of your work was completed in the software. For example, Covidence (2025) was used to …
  • Omit the publisher name from the reference when it is the same as the author (as per the jamovi example above).

Mobile application

Reference list

Author, A. A. or Corporate Author(s). (Year). Title of software (Version ver. number) [Mobile application]. Apple Store or Google Play Store. URL

Example:

Headspace Inc. (2023). Headspace: Meditation & Health (Version 3.379.2) [Mobile application]. Apple Store.  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/headspace-meditation-health/id493145008

In-text citation examples

The Headspace app's meditation features include … (Headspace Inc., 2023). 

Notes

  • A reference list entry is only needed for a mobile app that is not well-known in the field, or when you quote or paraphrase from the app itself.