Are Software Titles Italicized?
Software and app title styling is not universal across every context. MLA treats the software name as a title; APA-oriented guidance distinguishes ordinary prose from formal reference-list treatment. This guide therefore answers by style and location rather than imposing one global rule.
It depends on style and context. MLA treats software names as titles and italicizes them; APA guidance commonly leaves familiar software/app names unitalicized in ordinary prose but italicizes the software/app title in a reference-list entry when one is needed.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Do not infer that every product, interface label, file name, or app-store string should be italicized. The rule changes with citation style and with whether the name is ordinary prose or the title element of a reference.
Further guidance
Recommendation
Follow the required style guide. In MLA, italicize the software title when it is being treated as a title. In APA-style prose, common software/app names are typically roman; in a formal software/app reference entry, the title is italicized.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Citing Source Code in MLA Style (opens in a new tab)Modern Language Association · MLA guidance that software names function as titles and are italicized when treated as titles
- Referencing Online Material in APA — Computer Software and Apps (opens in a new tab)Massey University · APA 7 university guidance distinguishing software/app styling in prose from reference-list styling