Software & Mobile Apps in Harvard Style (Detailed Guide)

This guide breaks down how to cite different types of software, including installed computer programs, mobile applications, and web-based software (SaaS).

1. How to Cite Computer Software

This format is for software that you install on a computer, such as a standalone program.

Reference List Format Breakdown:
  • Author/Developer (The name of the company or individual that created the software)
  • (Year) (The year the specific version was released)
  • Title of software (The official name of the program, italicised)
  • (Version no.) (The specific version number, in parentheses)
  • [Computer program] (The medium descriptor in square brackets)
  • Available at: URL (The URL where the software can be downloaded, if applicable)
  • (Accessed: Day Month Year).
Reference List Example:
Tally Solutions (2020) Tally.ERP 9 (Release 6.6.3) [Computer program]. Available at: https://tallysolutions.com/download/ (Accessed: 9 June 2025).
In-Text Citation Examples:
Parenthetical: The accounting data was processed using the specified software (Tally Solutions 2020).
Narrative: According to Tally Solutions (2020), their software provides comprehensive business management tools.

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.

How to Cite in Harvard Style: