How to Cite a Software or App in MLA (9th edition)
Learn how to cite software, an app, or computer program in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
MLA Works Cited Format
Here is the standard MLA format for citing a software or app in your Works Cited page:
Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Software. Version #, Publisher, Year.
MLA Example for a Software or App
A complete MLA reference for a software or app, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Sanchez, Rosa. RefCheck. Version 3.4.0, Open Tools Collective, 2024, https://www.example.org/refcheck.
Matching in-text citation: (Sanchez)
MLA In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Author)
Narrative
Author created software that...
Key MLA Formatting Rules
- Include the version number after the software title.
- Include publisher and year.
- For apps, include the platform.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your software or app.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.
Evidence and review notes
Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.
CSL style record: mla.csl
Editorial sources
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite a software or app in MLA?
- To cite a software or app in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the MLA format for a software or app citation?
- The MLA format for a software or app is: Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Software. Version #, Publisher, Year.
- What does the in-text citation look like for a software or app in MLA?
- In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is (Author)
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