Software & Mobile Apps (Chicago Notes and Bibliography System)

Software and mobile applications are integral to modern research, communication, and daily life. Whether you're analyzing data with a statistical package, using a specialized program for creating digital humanities projects, or referencing information from a mobile app, it's important to cite them appropriately. The Chicago/Turabian Notes and Bibliography (NB) system provides guidelines for this, focusing on identifying the creator/developer, title, version, and access information.

1. Computer Software (Installed, Downloaded, or Web-Based)

  • Creator/Developer/Rights Holder: The individual, company, or organization that created or holds the rights to the software.
  • Title of the Software: The official name of the software, typically italicized.
  • Version Number: If applicable and known (e.g., version 3.1, CS6).
  • Publisher/Distributor: The company that published or distributes the software, if different from the creator/developer.
  • Platform: E.g., Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Web (especially if relevant to usage or citation).
  • Date of Release/Publication: The year the specific version was released or the copyright year.
  • URL: For software or apps downloaded from a specific website, or for web-based applications, include the URL.
  • Access Date: For web-based or frequently updated software, include an access date.
Full Note (N):
Creator/Developer, Title of Software, version no. (if applicable) (Publisher/Distributor if different from Creator, Release Year of version), Platform (if relevant), URL (for web-based or downloaded software), accessed Month Day, Year (for web-based or frequently updated software).
Example (Installed Software):
Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft Excel, version 16.0 (Microsoft Corporation, 2021), macOS.
Example (Web-Based Software):
Google LLC, Google Maps, (Google LLC, n.d.), Web application, accessed June 9, 2025, https://maps.google.com.
Shortened Note (SN):
2. Creator/Developer, Shortened Title of Software.
Example: 2. Microsoft, Excel. 2. Google, Google Maps.
Bibliography Entry (B):
Creator/Developer. Title of Software. Version no. (if applicable). Publisher/Distributor (if different), Release Year of version. Platform (optional, unless critical). URL (if applicable). Accessed Month Day, Year (if applicable).
Example:
Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft Excel. Version 16.0. Microsoft Corporation, 2021.
Google LLC. Google Maps. Google LLC. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://maps.google.com.

Core Elements for Citing Software & Mobile Apps:

  • Creator/Developer/Rights Holder: The individual, company, or organization that created or holds the rights to the software or app.
  • Title of the Software/App: The official name of the software or application, typically italicized.
  • Version Number: If applicable and known (e.g., version 3.1, CS6).
  • Publisher/Distributor: The company that published or distributes the software, if different from the creator/developer. (Often the same for many apps).
  • Platform (Operating System/Environment): E.g., Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Web. This is particularly important for apps or when a program has different versions for different platforms.
  • Date of Release/Publication: The year the specific version was released or the copyright year. For apps or software with frequent updates, this might be the date of the last stable release accessed.
  • URL: For software or apps downloaded from a specific website, or for web-based applications, include the URL.
  • Access Date: For web-based software, or apps that are frequently updated and where the version is not static, an access date can be useful.

Special Considerations for Software & Mobile Apps:

  • Versions: Always include the version number if available and relevant, as functionality can differ significantly. If a program is auto-updated and versioning is unclear (common with web apps), note this or use an access date.
  • Publisher vs. Developer: List the publisher if it is different from the developer and significant for identifying or obtaining the software. For many mobile apps, the developer and publisher are the same entity listed in the app store.
  • Freeware/Open Source: For open-source or freeware software, the individual developer(s) or project name should be listed as the creator. If downloaded from a specific repository (e.g., GitHub), this can be noted.
  • Operating System/Platform: Mentioning the OS (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux) or "web application" is helpful, especially if the software or app behaves differently or is available on multiple platforms.
  • No Fixed Date: For continuously updated online software or apps where a specific version's release date isn't available or relevant, provide an access date. You might use "n.d." (no date) if no publication or copyright year is apparent.
  • Games: Video games (computer, console, or mobile) are generally cited like software. Include the game studio/developer, Title of Game, version (if applicable), publisher, platform, and release year.