When you’re writing a paper or report, using the right citation style is crucial. If you’ve heard about APA 6 and APA 7, you might be wondering what the differences are and which one you should use. You’re not alone. Many students, researchers, and professionals ask this question because the American Psychological Association updated its style guide recently.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the main changes between APA 6 and APA 7. We’ll look at how these updates affect your writing, citations, and formatting. By the end, you’ll feel confident about using the latest APA style in your work.
What Is APA Style?
APA style is a set of rules for writing and formatting papers, especially in social sciences like psychology, education, and sociology. It helps you organize your ideas clearly and cite sources properly to avoid plagiarism.
The American Psychological Association first published its style guide in 1929. Since then, it has been updated several times to keep up with changes in writing and publishing. The two most recent editions are APA 6 (published in 2009) and APA 7 (published in 2019).
Major Differences Between APA 6 and APA 7
APA 7 brought several updates to make writing easier and more inclusive. Here are the key changes you should know:
APA 7 offers more flexibility in formatting your paper:
- Fonts: APA 6 recommended Times New Roman 12-point font only. APA 7 allows several fonts, including Calibri 11, Arial 11, and Georgia 11, giving you more choices.
- Running Head: In APA 6, the running head appeared on every page with the label "Running head:" on the title page. APA 7 removes the "Running head:" label and only requires the running head on the title page for student papers.
- Spacing: Both editions require double-spacing, but APA 7 clarifies that spacing should be consistent throughout, including tables and figures.
2. Title Page Differences
The title page format changed between APA 6 and APA 7:
- Student Papers: APA 7 provides a simplified title page format for students, including the title, author name, affiliation, course number and name, instructor name, and due date.
- Professional Papers: APA 7 includes a running head and page number on the title page, but the "Running head:" label is removed.
3. In-Text Citations
APA 7 updated rules for citing sources within the text:
- Number of Authors: APA 6 used "et al." after the first author when a source had six or more authors. APA 7 uses "et al." for sources with three or more authors from the very first citation.
- Group Authors: APA 7 clarifies how to cite group authors and abbreviations, making it easier to handle organizations or agencies as authors.
- Narrative Citations: APA 7 encourages more flexibility in narrative citations, allowing you to integrate authors’ names naturally into your sentences.
4. Reference List Changes
The reference list saw several updates in APA 7:
- Number of Authors Listed: APA 6 required listing up to seven authors before using an ellipsis. APA 7 increases this to 20 authors.
- DOI and URL Formatting: APA 7 prefers the use of the DOI as a URL (e.g., https://doi.org/xxxxx) without the label "DOI." URLs no longer need "Retrieved from" unless a retrieval date is necessary.
- Publisher Location: APA 7 removes the publisher location from book references, simplifying citations.
- Ebook Citations: APA 7 provides clearer guidelines for citing ebooks and online materials.
5. Bias-Free Language
One of the most important updates in APA 7 is the emphasis on bias-free and inclusive language:
- Singular “They”: APA 7 officially endorses the use of the singular “they” as a gender-neutral pronoun.
- Age, Disability, and Race: The guide offers detailed advice on respectful language when referring to age, disability, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
- Avoiding Labels: APA 7 encourages writers to avoid labels that might be offensive or outdated.
Why Should You Use APA 7?
If you’re wondering whether to stick with APA 6 or switch to APA 7, here are some reasons to choose the newer edition:
- Updated Guidelines: APA 7 reflects current writing and publishing practices, making your work more modern.
- Easier Formatting: The new rules simplify many aspects of formatting and citations.
- Inclusive Language: APA 7 helps you write respectfully and inclusively.
- More Author Names: Listing up to 20 authors means you give credit to more contributors.
- Better Digital Source Handling: APA 7’s approach to DOIs and URLs fits today’s online research environment.
Many universities and publishers now require APA 7, so it’s a good idea to learn and use it.
How to Transition from APA 6 to APA 7
Switching from APA 6 to APA 7 might seem tricky, but it’s manageable if you follow these steps:
- Check Guidelines: Always check your instructor’s or publisher’s preferred style edition.
- Update Templates: Use APA 7 templates for your word processor to get the correct formatting.
- Revise Citations: Adjust your in-text citations and reference list according to APA 7 rules.
- Use Updated Resources: Refer to the official APA 7 manual or trusted online guides.
- Practice Bias-Free Language: Review your writing to ensure it follows APA 7’s inclusive language guidelines.
Examples of APA 6 vs APA 7 Citations
Here are some side-by-side examples to help you see the differences clearly:
| Citation Type | APA 6 Example | APA 7 Example |
| Book | Smith, J. (2009). Title of book. Publisher. | Smith, J. (2019). Title of book. Publisher. |
| Book with DOI | Smith, J. (2009). Title of book. Publisher. DOI: 10.xxxx/xxxxx | Smith, J. (2019). Title of book. Publisher. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx |
| Journal Article | Smith, J., & Lee, K. (2009). Article title. Journal Name, 10(2), 123-130. | Smith, J., Lee, K., & Patel, R. (2019). Article title. Journal Name, 10(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx |
| In-Text Citation | (Smith, Lee, Patel, & Jones, 2009) | (Smith et al., 2019) |
Tips for Writing in APA 7 Style
To make your writing process smoother, keep these tips in mind:
- Use the singular “they” when the gender of a person is unknown or to be inclusive.
- List up to 20 authors in your reference list before using an ellipsis.
- Format DOIs as URLs without the “DOI:” label.
- Choose a readable font like Calibri or Arial if your instructor allows.
- Use clear, bias-free language throughout your paper.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between APA 6 and APA 7 is essential for writing clear, professional papers. APA 7 offers more flexibility, updated citation rules, and a strong focus on inclusive language. Whether you’re a student or a professional, using APA 7 will help you present your work in a modern and respectful way.
If you’re still using APA 6, consider making the switch to APA 7 to keep up with current standards. Remember to check your institution’s requirements and use the right tools to format your paper correctly. With practice, you’ll find APA 7 easier and more effective for your writing needs.
FAQs
What is the biggest difference between APA 6 and APA 7?
The biggest difference is APA 7’s focus on inclusive language and updated citation rules, such as using “et al.” for three or more authors and allowing more font options.
Can I still use APA 6 for my paper?
Some institutions still accept APA 6, but APA 7 is the current standard. Always check your instructor’s or publisher’s guidelines before deciding.
How do I cite a source with many authors in APA 7?
List up to 20 authors in the reference list before using an ellipsis. For in-text citations, use “et al.” for three or more authors from the first citation.
Does APA 7 require a running head on every page?
No. For student papers, APA 7 only requires a running head on the title page. Professional papers still include it on every page but without the “Running head:” label.
How does APA 7 handle DOIs and URLs?
APA 7 formats DOIs as URLs (e.g., https://doi.org/xxxxx) without the “DOI:” label. URLs don’t need “Retrieved from” unless a retrieval date is necessary.
