The American Psychological Association’s seventh edition publication manual introduced significant updates to how scholars, researchers, and students format citations and reference lists. Published in October 2019, APA 7th edition streamlined many rules while expanding guidance for digital and nontraditional sources. Understanding these standards has become essential for academic writing across psychology, education, social sciences, and numerous other fields.
Whether writing a research paper, thesis, or journal article, proper referencing ensures credibility, allows readers to verify sources, and prevents plagiarism. The 7th edition brought notable simplifications compared to its predecessor, reducing the burden on writers while maintaining rigorous standards for scholarly communication. This guide covers the core rules, changes from the previous edition, and practical examples for common source types.
For those transitioning from earlier versions or learning APA format for the first time, familiarizing yourself with the updated author-date system, reference list formatting, and DOI presentation will help you apply citations correctly across academic work. The following sections break down each component systematically, from basic in-text citation rules to complete reference entry formatting.
What Is APA 7th Edition?
APA 7th edition refers to the seventh version of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. The American Psychological Association first published its style guide in 1929, with subsequent editions released approximately every decade to address evolving publishing practices and citation needs. The 7th edition, released in October 2019, represents the most comprehensive update in recent history, incorporating guidance for digital objects, open-access publications, and diverse media formats.
The core principle underlying APA style remains the author-date system: within the text, writers cite sources by mentioning the author’s last name and the publication year, directing readers to the corresponding full reference at the end of the document. This approach prioritizes traceability and verification, allowing readers to locate original sources efficiently. Every in-text citation must match an entry in the reference list, and every reference list entry must correspond to at least one in-text citation.
7th edition released October 2019 by the American Psychological Association
Author-date format requiring last name and year in-text
Simplified et al. rules and DOI formatting compared to 6th edition
Expanded guidance for websites, media, and nontraditional sources
Key Insights for APA 7th Referencing
- The author-date system requires parenthetical or narrative citations in the body text, with a matching alphabetical reference list at the end
- Et al. now applies from the first citation for works with three or more authors, replacing the previous requirement to list all authors initially
- DOIs should be presented as full URLs beginning with https://doi.org/ without the “doi:” prefix
- Font flexibility increased in the 7th edition, allowing Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, or Lucida Sans Unicode in specific sizes
- Running heads are no longer required for student papers, though professional publications may still use them
- References are formatted with a hanging indent, meaning the first line is flush left and subsequent lines are indented
- The reference list title remains “References” and appears on a separate page at the end of the document
| Formatting Element | APA 7th Rule | Comparison to APA 6th |
|---|---|---|
| Font Options | 12pt Times New Roman, 11pt Calibri, Arial, or Lucida Sans Unicode | Previously limited primarily to Times New Roman |
| Line Spacing | Double-spaced throughout | Same requirement maintained |
| DOI Format | https://doi.org/xxxxx (no label) | Previously used “doi:” prefix |
| Et al. Threshold | Three or more authors from first use | Previously listed all up to five, then et al. |
| Publisher Location | City omitted from references | Previously required city and state/country |
| Running Head | Optional for students, required for professional | Required for all papers |
| Hanging Indent | 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) for all reference entries | Same standard maintained |
| Reference List Title | “References” centered at top of page | Same format maintained |
What Are the Key Changes from APA 6th to 7th Edition?
The transition from APA 6th to 7th edition brought both simplifications and expansions that reflect contemporary publishing practices. Perhaps the most widely appreciated change involves the et al. rule for multiple authors. Under the 7th edition, writers use “et al.” immediately when citing any source with three or more authors, eliminating the previous requirement to spell out all author names on first citation (APA 6th required listing up to five authors before switching to et al.). This reduction applies to both in-text citations and reference list entries, where only the first 20 authors need be listed, followed by an ellipsis and the final author.
Simplified Author Rules
The 7th edition introduced clearer guidance for corporate authors, clarifying that well-known organizations can be abbreviated in subsequent citations after spelling out the full name once. For works with no identifiable author, the title replaces the author name, formatted with italics for standalone works or quotation marks for partial works like book chapters or website articles. The manual also provides specific instruction for handling anonymous authors, treating “Anonymous” as the author name when that appears as the credited author.
DOI and URL Presentation
Digital object identifiers received streamlined formatting in the 7th edition. Rather than the previous “doi:10.xxxx/xxxxx” format, the updated style calls for presenting DOIs as active URLs: https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx. This change aligns with how most databases and publishers now display DOIs and makes them clickable in digital documents. For sources without DOIs, URLs are included directly without a “Retrieved from” label, though access dates may be added for sources likely to change over time, such as online encyclopedias or dynamic webpages.
When a DOI or URL points to content that may be updated or moved, APA 7th recommends including an access date. For stable academic sources like journal articles with DOIs, access dates are generally unnecessary since the DOI provides a permanent identifier.
How Do In-Text Citations Work in APA 7th?
In-text citations in APA 7th serve as abbreviated references embedded within the body of your writing. They accomplish two goals: acknowledging the source and guiding readers to the complete reference entry. The system operates on an author-date principle, meaning every citation should include the author’s last name and the publication year. Page numbers, paragraph numbers, or section headings are required for direct quotes but optional for paraphrased material.
Rules for Author Names and Et Al.
APA 7th handles author citations based on the number of contributors. A single author appears as (Smith, 2022) or, in narrative form, “Smith (2022) stated that…” Two authors require listing both names connected by an ampersand: (Burhardt & Nathaniel, 2008). For three or more authors, the citation uses et al. from the very first mention: (Pender et al., 2011). When multiple citations from different sources appear together, they are ordered alphabetically within the parenthetical, separated by semicolons.
In narrative citations within a single paragraph, the year may be omitted after the first citation if it would be redundant. However, when starting a new paragraph, the full citation including the year should appear again. This approach maintains clarity while avoiding unnecessary repetition. For works with the same author and publication year, lowercase letters (a, b, c) distinguish between entries, appearing in both the in-text citation and the reference list.
Narrative vs. Parenthetical Citations
Two citation formats exist within APA 7th: narrative and parenthetical. Narrative citations integrate the author into the sentence structure naturally, as in “According to Smith (2022), the phenomenon occurs when…” Parenthetical citations place the source information in parentheses, such as “The phenomenon occurs when conditions are favorable (Smith, 2022).” Both approaches are acceptable, with narrative citations often creating smoother reading flow and parenthetical citations useful when emphasizing the information rather than the source.
One author: (Smith, 2022) | Two authors: (Smith & Jones, 2022) | Three or more: (Smith et al., 2022) | No author: (“Shortened Title,” 2022) | No date: (Smith, n.d.)
How to Format the APA 7th Reference List
The reference list in APA 7th appears at the end of your document on a separate page titled “References” (centered, no formatting, no quotation marks). Entries are arranged alphabetically by the first author’s last name, with single-author entries preceding multi-author entries when the same surname appears. Each entry uses a hanging indent of 0.5 inches, where the first line begins at the left margin and subsequent lines indent.
General Formatting Rules
APA 7th permits several font choices, all requiring double-spacing throughout the entire reference list. Acceptable options include 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, or 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode. Margins should be set to one inch on all sides. Author names are formatted with initials rather than full first names, and an ampersand (&) replaces “and” before the final author name in multi-author entries.
The title of a work follows different formatting depending on the source type. Book titles and journal names appear in italics, while article titles, chapter titles, and webpage titles use sentence case (capitalizing only the first word and proper nouns). Journal references include the volume number in italics, followed by the issue number in parentheses (not italicized), and page ranges. DOIs, when available, appear as https://doi.org/xxxxx at the end of the entry without a period following.
Hanging Indents and Spacing
The hanging indent format distinguishes APA references visually and aids readers in locating the author when scanning citations. In most word processors, this formatting is applied by selecting the paragraph, adjusting the “Special” indent in paragraph settings to “Hanging” at 0.5 inches. Double-spacing applies to the entire reference list, with no extra spacing between entries.
When two or more works by the same author appear in your reference list, arrange them chronologically by publication year, starting with the earliest. If the same author has multiple works from the same year, distinguish them with lowercase letters (2022a, 2022b) that correspond to the in-text citations. Group authors, such as organizations or government agencies, appear alphabetically by their full name, with abbreviations explained on first use.
A frequent mistake involves italicizing article titles or failing to italicize journal names. Remember: book titles and journal names receive italics, while article titles, chapter titles, and webpage titles do not.
APA 7th Examples for Common Sources
Applying APA 7th format to specific source types requires attention to the elements unique to each category. The following examples demonstrate correct formatting for frequently encountered references in academic writing. These templates can serve as models when constructing your own reference entries.
Books and eBooks
A book with a single author follows this structure: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Publisher. For works with multiple authors, add names separated by commas, using an ampersand before the final author. eBooks without DOIs are formatted identically to print books, as APA 7th no longer distinguishes between print and electronic versions unless a DOI or direct URL is available.
For edited volumes, include the editor(s) in the author position with “(Ed.)” or “(Eds.)” after their names. Chapter contributions require different formatting: the author(s) of the chapter appear first, followed by the chapter title, then “In” followed by the editor(s) and the book title, page range, and publisher information. The entire chapter reference entry ends with a DOI or URL if available.
Journal Articles
Journal article references include the author(s), publication year, article title, journal name (italicized), volume number (italicized), issue number (if available and not parenthetical), page range, and DOI or URL. The 7th edition clarifies that including the issue number is optional but recommended when each issue restarts page numbering. Article titles use sentence case without quotation marks or italics.
For journal articles accessed through academic databases that do not provide DOIs, APA 7th recommends including the URL from the journal’s website rather than the database URL, as this provides readers with the most direct and permanent access route. When a DOI exists, it should always be included regardless of how you accessed the article.
Websites and Online Content
Website references without identifiable authors follow a specific format: the title of the page replaces the author, followed by the publication date in parentheses (or “n.d.” if no date exists), the website name in italics, and the full URL. The 7th edition dropped the “Retrieved from” phrase, instead placing the URL directly after the site name or at the end of the entry.
For online videos, podcasts, and other streaming media, APA 7th provides guidance to include the host, narrator, director, or other relevant contributors. The format follows: Contributor, A. A. (Role, if applicable). (Year, Month Day). Title of work [Format description]. Site Name. URL. Social media posts are cited similarly, with the format adapting to include handles, hashtags, or platform-specific features when relevant to locating the content.
Before finalizing your reference list, verify each entry against the original source. Ensure author names, dates, titles, and URLs are accurate. The official APA Style website provides additional examples and clarification for unusual source types.
Evolution of APA Style: A Timeline
Understanding when key changes occurred provides context for why certain formatting rules exist. The American Psychological Association has updated its publication manual periodically to reflect shifts in publishing technology, academic standards, and scholarly communication practices.
- 1929 – The American Psychological Association first publishes a set of standards for preparing manuscripts, establishing the foundation for APA style.
- 1952 – Publication of the first official APA Publication Manual, codifying style conventions for psychological journals.
- 1974 – Second edition released, expanding guidance as psychology grew as a discipline and journals proliferated.
- 1983 – Third edition introduced changes reflecting word processing capabilities and internationalization of research.
- 1994 – Fourth edition brought electronic publishing considerations and expanded coverage of non-traditional sources.
- 2001 – Fifth edition updated for internet sources and digital reference formats emerging in academic publishing.
- 2009 – Sixth edition addressed rapid changes in online publishing, DOI usage, and electronic retrieval practices.
- 2019 – Seventh edition published, bringing the most significant simplifications and expansions for digital-age publishing.
- 2020 – Student version of the 7th edition manual released, providing tailored guidance for academic coursework.
What Is Established vs. Unclear in APA 7th
While APA 7th provides comprehensive guidance for most citation scenarios, certain areas remain subjects of ongoing clarification or reflect common points of confusion among writers. Distinguishing between established rules and ambiguous situations helps writers apply the style with appropriate confidence.
Clearly Established
- Author-date in-text citation format requiring surname and year
- Et al. applies from first citation for three or more authors
- DOI format as https://doi.org/xxxxx without prefixes
- Reference list titled “References” on separate page
- Alphabetical arrangement by first author’s surname
- Hanging indent of 0.5 inches for all references
- Italics for book titles and journal names
- Double-spacing throughout reference list
- Font options: Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, Lucida Sans Unicode
- Running head optional for student papers
Common Uncertainties
- Citation rules for AI-generated content lack definitive APA guidance
- Personal communications cited in-text but not in reference list
- Preprint servers and their citation permanence
- Formatting for social media posts with short lifespans
- Secondary source citation conventions for internet content
- How to handleDOIs that no longer resolve
- Citation practices for indigenous knowledge and oral traditions
- Determining when access dates are necessary
- Handling of retracted articles in reference lists
- Citation formatting for test manuals and assessment instruments
Why APA 7th Matters for Academic Writing
Consistent citation formatting serves purposes beyond mere compliance with instructor requirements. When writers apply standardized formats like APA 7th, they contribute to the cumulative nature of scholarly knowledge. Readers can trace the development of ideas through cited works, verify original claims, and pursue related research. This transparency strengthens the credibility of individual arguments while advancing the broader academic conversation.
APA style specifically supports psychological and social science research by emphasizing recency and accessibility. The author-date format prioritizes showing when information was published, which matters in fields where knowledge evolves rapidly. The 7th edition’s simplifications—particularly around et al. usage and DOI formatting—reduce cognitive load for writers, allowing them to focus on content quality rather than citation mechanics.
For students developing academic writing skills, mastering APA 7th provides transferable competencies applicable across courses, graduate programs, and professional settings. Many graduate programs, journals, and employers expect familiarity with APA style, making early proficiency advantageous for career development. Understanding these conventions also facilitates reading comprehension when engaging with published research in your field. Those looking to strengthen their overall writing organization may benefit from exploring Gross Motor Skills Milestones as a framework for structured skill development.
Authoritative Sources and Further Reading
The American Psychological Association maintains the definitive reference for APA style through its Publication Manual and official website. For specific questions or unusual citation scenarios, consulting primary sources ensures accuracy. University libraries and writing centers often provide supplementary guides adapted from official APA materials, which can clarify common applications while linking back to authoritative rules.
APA Style provides a foundation for effective communication to a broad audience in the social and behavioral sciences. The Publication Manual is the official source for APA Style.
— American Psychological Association, apastyle.apa.org
The Purdue OWL APA formatting guide offers comprehensive examples and explanations aligned with the 7th edition. Academic libraries at institutions like Lone Star College and Sullivan University provide supplementary resources for students learning citation conventions. These resources complement rather than replace the official APA Publication Manual.
Putting APA 7th Into Practice
Applying APA 7th referencing effectively requires both understanding the rules and practicing their application. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the core principles—author-date citations, alphabetical reference organization, and proper hanging indent formatting—before attempting more complex scenarios. When encountering unfamiliar source types, consult official APA guidance to model appropriate formats.
Building a habit of recording complete source information during the research phase prevents the frustration of tracking down missing details later. Note author names exactly as they appear, complete publication dates, precise titles, and any available DOIs or URLs. This documentation practice streamlines the citation process and ensures accuracy in your reference list. For those seeking additional support, exploring related guides on How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone can provide practice with structured technical writing that reinforces organizational and formatting skills applicable to academic citation.
What is the required font for APA 7th edition papers?
APA 7th edition accepts several fonts: 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, or 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode. The paper should be double-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides. Unlike the 6th edition, which primarily recommended Times New Roman, the 7th edition offers flexibility while maintaining readability standards.
How many authors before using et al. in APA 7th?
APA 7th edition uses et al. for any source with three or more authors, starting from the very first citation. This represents a simplification from the 6th edition, which required listing all authors up to five on the first citation. In APA 7th, write (Smith et al., 2022) for a work by Smith and 20 co-authors, for example.
Where does the reference list appear in an APA 7th paper?
The reference list appears on a separate page at the end of your document, after any tables, figures, or appendices. The page is titled “References” (centered, plain text, no formatting), with entries arranged alphabetically by the first author’s last name. Each entry uses a hanging indent of 0.5 inches.
How should DOIs be formatted in APA 7th?
APA 7th presents DOIs as full URLs beginning with https://doi.org/ followed by the identifier. Unlike earlier editions, the “doi:” prefix is no longer used. Include the DOI at the end of the reference entry without a period afterward. If a DOI is unavailable but the source was accessed online, include the direct URL instead.
What is the difference between narrative and parenthetical citations?
Narrative citations integrate the author’s name directly into the sentence, as in “Smith (2022) argued that…” Parenthetical citations place the citation in parentheses at the end of the relevant phrase, as in “…the phenomenon occurs (Smith, 2022).” Both formats are acceptable; narrative citations often read more smoothly while parenthetical citations emphasize the information being cited.
How do you cite a website with no author in APA 7th?
When a webpage has no identifiable author, begin the reference with the title of the page instead. For in-text citations, use the title in quotation marks (for article or page titles) or italics (for standalone works), followed by the year. The reference list entry similarly begins with the title, followed by the date, site name, and URL.
Does APA 7th require a running head?
APA 7th edition eliminated the running head requirement for student papers, simplifying formatting for academic coursework. Professional papers submitted for publication may still include a running head with the paper title and page number. For student submissions, focus on proper margins, double-spacing, and reference list formatting instead.
How are book titles formatted in APA 7th reference entries?
Book titles appear in title case and italics in APA 7th reference entries. This applies to the reference list only; in body text, book titles are typically not italicized unless emphasizing them specifically. Article titles, chapter titles, and webpage titles use sentence case (capitalizing only the first word and proper nouns) without italics.
