In writing, the use of italics can often cause confusion, especially when it comes to naming conventions. One common question that arises is whether the names of apps should be italicized.
This topic might seem trivial at first glance, but understanding the rules behind it can greatly improve clarity and professionalism in your communication.
This article explores the conventions around app names, including when to italicize, when to use quotation marks, and when to simply leave them in plain text. We will also examine style guides, practical examples, and provide helpful tables and tips.
Understanding Italics in Writing
Italicization is primarily used for emphasis, to denote titles of larger works, or to distinguish certain words from the rest of the text. Examples include book titles, movie titles, foreign words, and scientific names.
However, the rules for italicizing names of digital products such as apps are less clear-cut. This is partly because apps can be considered either software programs or brands, and the conventions for each category differ.
Italics are often reserved for titles of complete works, while smaller components or brand names typically remain in plain text.
Are App Names Italicized? The Short Answer
In general, app names are not italicized. Most style guides and publications treat app names as proper nouns or brand names, which are set in regular typeface without italics.
For example, you would write: “I just downloaded Instagram and TikTok.” Notice that neither Instagram nor TikTok is italicized.
Why Not Italicize App Names?
Apps are considered brand names or trademarks rather than titles of standalone works. Italics are commonly reserved for works such as books, movies, newspapers, or albums, which are larger creative entities.
App names are treated similarly to product names like iPhone or AirPods. These are capitalized but not italicized.
Style Guides on App Name Formatting
Different style guides provide guidance on this topic, though none explicitly say “always italicize” or “never italicize” apps. Here is a summary from some of the most influential style manuals:
| Style Guide | App Names Italicized? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| APA (American Psychological Association) | No | App names are treated as proper nouns and not italicized. |
| Chicago Manual of Style | No | Titles of books, films, etc., are italicized, but app names are treated as product or brand names. |
| MLA (Modern Language Association) | No | App names are not italicized but capitalized as proper nouns. |
| AP (Associated Press) | No | App names are written in plain text with initial caps; no italics. |
How to Properly Write App Names
Since italics are generally not used, the key formatting rule is to capitalize the official app name exactly as the developer uses it. This respects brand identity and ensures clarity.
For example:
- Spotify, not spotify or Spotify
- Facebook, not facebook
- Google Maps, not google maps
Using the correct capitalization and spelling is essential. Many apps have specific stylizations, such as including capital letters in the middle of the name (e.g., iMessage or WhatsApp).
When to Use Quotation Marks?
Quotation marks are also generally avoided for app names. Quotation marks tend to be reserved for shorter works like articles, poems, or chapters, rather than software products or brands.
Therefore, writing “I use the app ‘Snapchat’ daily” is less preferred than I use the app Snapchat daily.
Exceptions & Special Cases
There are some situations where italics or quotation marks might be used with app names, but these are exceptions rather than the rule.
Italicizing App Names in Academic or Literary Contexts
If an app is the subject of a scholarly article or an in-depth review, some writers might choose to italicize the app name to give it emphasis or to treat it as a “work.” However, this is rare and depends on the publication’s style.
Apps as Part of Larger Works
If the app name appears as part of a larger title, such as a book or magazine article title, the app name itself remains unitalicized, but the larger work’s title is italicized.
Example: The Rise of TikTok in Modern Media (book title) — here, TikTok is not italicized, but the book title is.
App Names in Foreign Languages
If an app name contains foreign terms or non-English words, the foreign words might be italicized if the style guide calls for it. However, the app name as a whole remains unitalicized.
Comparison: App Names vs. Other Media Titles
Understanding how app names contrast with other media titles helps clarify why italics are not used. Below is a comparison table illustrating common types of titles and their formatting rules.
| Type of Work | Examples | Italicized? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | The Great Gatsby, 1984 | Yes | Complete works are italicized. |
| Movies & TV Shows | Inception, Stranger Things | Yes | Titles of films and shows are italicized. |
| Newspapers & Magazines | The New York Times, Time | Yes | Names of periodicals are italicized. |
| Articles & Chapters | “The Gettysburg Address,” “Chapter 5: The Climax” | No (use quotation marks) | Smaller works within larger works are quoted. |
| App Names | Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok | No | Considered product/brand names, no italics. |
Common Questions About App Name Formatting
Q: Should I italicize an app’s name if I mention it in a book or article?
A: Typically, no. Treat app names like brand names — capitalized but not italicized.
Follow the style guide relevant to your publication.
Q: What if the app’s name is the same as a book or movie title?
A: If the app shares a name with a book or movie, the app name itself remains in plain text. Only book or movie titles are italicized.
Context should clarify which you mean.
Q: Can I use italics for emphasis on an app name?
A: Italics may be used sparingly for emphasis in informal writing, but avoid doing so in formal or professional contexts to prevent confusion.
Q: How should I format app names in social media posts?
A: Social media posts are informal, so consistency is key. Capitalize app names correctly; italics are rarely available or necessary on these platforms.
Tips for Writing About Apps
- Always capitalize the official app name. Check the developer’s website if unsure.
- Do not italicize or place app names in quotation marks. Treat them like brand names.
- Use italics for titles of works that are distinct from apps. For example, books or films.
- Maintain consistency throughout your text. Consistent formatting improves readability and professionalism.
- When in doubt, consult the style guide relevant to your field or publication.
Conclusion
Given the conventions of modern writing and the guidance of major style manuals, app names should not be italicized. They are best treated as proper nouns or brand names and written in regular type with correct capitalization.
This approach respects the nature of apps as commercial products rather than creative works like books or films, which typically receive italic treatment.
By following these guidelines, writers can ensure clarity, maintain professionalism, and respect brand identity when mentioning apps in any form of writing.
