FEEDING YOUR QUALITATIVE NEEDS

Have you ever searched "free qualitative research software" only to be disappointed that nothing lets you tag your materials? Search no more! Taguette is a free and open-source tool for qualitative research. You can import your research materials, highlight and tag quotes, and export the results!

Learn more » Try out Taguette on our server

Work Locally

Taguette works both on your local computer (macOS, Windows, Linux) and on a server. When running Taguette locally, your data is as secure as your computer . That means that if you can have your data on your computer, you can run Taguette with no worries.

Install now »

Highlight & Tag

Taguette allows you to upload your research materials and tag them, just as you would use different color highlighters with printed paper. You can add new tags, then just select some text, click 'new highlight', and add whatever tag you find to be most relevant!

Get started »

Export Results

After you've done your work highlighting materials in Taguette, you can export in a variety of ways -- your whole project, codebook, all your highlighted quotes (or ones for a specific tag!), and highlighted documents. It's a good practice to keep an archival copy of your work!

View details »

TAGUETTE is an open-source web-based document tagging tool for qualitative data analysis.

Using this tool, you can upload a collection of documents, create a hierarchy of tags, and annotate portions of documents with tags and notes that you can recall and organize later.

Register now for free and get started!

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webQDA – Qualitative Data Analysis Software

webQDA is a qualitative, web-based data analysis software intended for all researchers and professionals conducting qualitative research. webQDA allows you to analyze text, image, video, audio, tables, PDF files, Youtube videos, etc. in a collaborative, synchronous or asynchronous manner.

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With webQDA Software you can import your projects quickly and easily. Get to work right away.

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Seven Essential Steps (Cross-cutting Subtasks) for Qualitative Data Analysis with Integration of webQDA Software

Automatic Coding in webQDA (1st version)

Automatic Coding in webQDA (1st version)

Automatic Coding in webQDA (1st version) One of the main objectives of using tools to support qualitative data analysis, such as webQDA, […]

Ethics in Qualitative Research: a reflection…

Ethics in Qualitative Research: a reflection…

Ethics in Qualitative Research: a reflection… António Moreira Research Center on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers (CIDTFF), Department of Education […]

Six ways to represent results graphically with webQDA

Six ways to represent results graphically with webQDA

Six ways to represent results graphically with webQDA By: Sonia Verdugo (University of Salamanca) The visual representation of results offers the researcher […]

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Master Your Research Projects with the Power of AI

ATLAS.ti bridges human expertise with AI efficiency to provide fast and accurate insights. Communicate directly with your documents and have them automatically coded based on your intentions, providing customized results. Only ATLAS.ti offers complete insight and verifiability of your AI analysis results at all times. This enables you to unpack the black box of AI in your research and uniquely make it your own.

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qualitative research software free

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qualitative research software free

qualitative research software free

qualitative research software free

Import and organize your files

Import or upload data from any source and manage everything in one software package. Then, start discovering valuable insights using intelligent data analysis tools to make more informed decisions – in hours, not days. Easily import:

  • Audio Files
  • Social Media Data
  • Survey Files
  • Reference Manager Data
  • Other Qualitative Data

Analyze and refine your data

Anyone can take control of their qualitative analysis without prior knowledge: edit content, refine, and structure your data the way you need. Simply use codes to tag qualitative insights, and embrace AI Coding plus team collaboration for lightning-speed outcomes. Unlock insights for:

  • Survey Data Analysis
  • Interview Analysis
  • Focus Group Analysis
  • Literature Review and Analysis
  • Content Analysis
  • UX Research
  • Bachelor & Master Thesis
  • Doctoral Dissertations
  • Term Papers
  • Customer Feedback
  • Qualitative Customer Data

Visualize and share your insights

Let your data speak and get a deep understanding of the meaning behind your research findings. With ATLAS.ti, you can share your insights through clear visualizations that turn dull numbers into eye-opening results – presenting your conclusions with confidence. Make use of:

  • Sankey Charts
  • Donut Charts
  • Word Clouds

Why our users love ATLAS.ti

Get all-in-one platform access to our desktop apps on Windows and Mac, plus our Web version for browsers. Leverage our cutting-edge QDA software today!

One Package, All Features

ATLAS.ti licenses offer access to all features on all platforms for one flat fee. No hidden costs, no surprises. Moreover, our multi-license options deliver exceptional flexibility for teams, simplifying the qualitative research process.

Free Live Support, 24/5

Our qualitative data experts and ATLAS.ti specialists work around the clock to provide the support you need. We will do everything to help you keep your analysis project running and uncompromised.

Full Compatibility: Win, Mac, Web

With ATLAS.ti, you can choose whether you want to work with our desktop apps on Windows and Mac or our Web version at no extra cost. Seamlessly exchange projects with each other – no matter which platform you use.

Team Collaboration in Real-Time

Working together with your entire team doesn’t have to be complicated. ATLAS.ti Web has simplified the process for you – easily invite team members and collaborate efficiently on your projects in real-time.

OpenAI-powered Tools

Reduce your overall data analysis time by more than 90% with the power of OpenAI and uncover insights that otherwise may have been missed. Enabled by leading AI technology, we provide a game-changing solution that makes automatic data coding a reality.

License Management Redefined

"My ATLAS.ti" enables you to manage users and licenses the way you want for the best efficiency: Share multi-user licenses with as many people as you want, with no restrictions on people, seats, or machines. When one user logs off, the seat instantly opens up for another user.

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If you're considering ATLAS.ti for qualitative data analysis, you're making a wise choice. Our top-rated QDA software is perfect for students, researchers, academic institutions, and commercial enterprises – offering a wide array of AI-driven analysis tools to help you succeed. Here are just a few reasons to choose ATLAS.ti:

An intuitive interface made for qualitative research

ATLAS.ti caters to both research professionals and beginners. It covers everything from qualitative text analysis and evaluation of customer interviews to web content analysis and specific business intelligence tasks.

Users can collect and analyze data on the major operating systems (Windows and macOS), even with our Web version for browsers. Our user-friendly qualitative data analysis software makes it easy to upload files and analyze data quickly and efficiently so that you can make the most out of your research.

Quick and easy AI-powered coding

Transforming text-based data into valuable insights can be time-consuming. With ATLAS.ti, you can import data from any source and gain deeper insights using AI. In addition, our qualitative software offers tools to automatically create coded segments in your data and quickly identify themes.

ATLAS.ti's qualitative data analysis tools enable you to organize all your text data (i.e., from customer interviews or focus groups) in one place. This way, you can analyze qualitative data faster than ever. Plus, you can utilize a code hierarchy with a tree structure for better code management.

Our automatic AI Coding feature uses OpenAI's GPT model, which can understand natural language on a human-like level. More than text mining: This groundbreaking analysis tool empowers users from all fields of work by drastically reducing the overall coding and analysis time.

Cover all your qualitative data analysis needs

Whether you rely on transcripts from focus groups, observation notes, survey responses, or even audio and video files – you can analyze it all with ATLAS.ti. Unlike quantitative data tools, our software supports all major forms of data so that you can conduct qualitative data analysis on any research project, even customer feedback, textual data, pictures, and video recordings.

Whatever it is, you can import data into one central location in ATLAS.ti – enabling you to leverage qualitative and mixed methods for your research projects.

Powerful data analysis on autopilot

Our artificial intelligence and machine learning tools make finding insights in your research project easy. Qualitative data analysis tools such as Sentiment Analysis and Opinion Mining can perform text analysis across multiple documents to analyze large projects faster and more insightful.

Whether you want to analyze customer data or identify keywords from research materials, our AI tools can help you finish the job quickly. Regardless of what you want to achieve: pure qualitative analysis or mixed methods research, ATLAS.ti offers the leading solution trusted by academics and businesses.

Deeper insights through qualitative analysis

We understand that any qualitative data analysis tool is only as powerful as the insights they provide to you and your audience. ATLAS.ti is more than a text analyzer – we develop our software to visualize your data analysis in multiple formats:

Bar charts, Sankey diagrams, word clouds, and network visualizations help you identify data themes and patterns for robust and accurate insights.

Seamless collaboration across teams

Qualitative and mixed methods research often relies on collaboration between team members. That's why multi-user licenses for ATLAS.ti allow you to share our qualitative data analysis software with your colleagues.

Now all your team members can work together on the same project to analyze qualitative data. Unlike other software, ATLAS.ti allows you to capture customer insights with the collective power of your colleagues.

Expert support and training

Customer satisfaction is our top priority at ATLAS.ti. We offer technical and methodological support for all users, whether conducting mixed methods research, qualitative research, statistical analysis, thematic analysis, market research, or academic research.

ATLAS.ti experts worldwide are always just a click away from supporting the users of our #1 software for qualitative data analysis.

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#1 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS SOFTWARE FOR 30 YEARS

Leading Qualitative Data Analysis Software with AI Solution

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The NVivo Getting Started Bundle includes all the essentials you need for your research.

An NVivo license:   The most cited and powerful software for qualitative data analysis . Choose a Windows or Mac individual license.

NVivo Core Skills Online Course: Includes videos, live coaching and a Q&A forum to get you up and running fast. 

Access the entire bundle for just the normal price of NVivo. That’s a saving of $279.99 USD! Available for a limited time only, don’t miss out.

Click more with your research team, less with your mouse, collaborate, discover all the ways nvivo 14 works for you, enhance team research, boost productivity, collaborate easily, uncover richer insights, make robust conclusions, deliver comprehensive findings, enjoy a more streamlined user experience, looking to upgrade.

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Student Licenses provide access to all the features of NVivo, limited for 12 months.

Individual and small group licenses (up to nine) can be bought online.

Organization licenses are available. If you want to purchase ten or more licenses, or enter an entreprise agreement, contact our sales team.

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Lumivero’s team-based solutions allow you to:, need to know more about nvivo, what is nvivo, what can i do with nvivo, who is nvivo for, how much does nvivo cost.

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Qualitative Data Analysis

  • Choosing QDA software
  • Free QDA tools
  • Transcription tools
  • Social media research
  • Mixed and multi-method research
  • Network Diagrams
  • Publishing qualitative data
  • Student specialists

General Information

For assistance, please submit a request .  You can also reach us via the chat below, email [email protected] , or join Discord server .

If you've met with us before,                        tell us how we're doing .

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Data Services closes for winter break at the end of the day on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. We will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.

Open Source QDA Tools

  • Introduction

Free/Libre Open Source Software for QDA

While NYU Data Services provides access to proprietary computer assisted QDA software, free tools are an excellent option for researchers who want to prevent getting stuck in a paid platform, who might have budgetary constraints, or simply want to have access to high quality free software. There are a variety of these types of software packages and although Data Services cannot provide support for all of them, these curated resources are intended to help with choosing and using them for your research. Currently, of these options we are supporting Taguette .

Taguette : A spin on the phrase "tag it!", Taguette is a free and open source qualitative research tool (which works on all operating systems!). With Taguette, users can import PDFs, Word Docs (.docx), Text files (.txt), HTML, EPUB, MOBI, Open Documents (.odt), and Rich Text Files (.rtf).

After uploading documents, users can highlight words, sentences, or paragraphs and tag them with the codes you create. All the work you do in Taguette is completely exportable, including tagged documents, codebooks, highlights for a specific tag, highlights for all tags, and a list of tags with their descriptions.

Users can upload documents in any language to Taguette. The interface is currently available in English (US), French, German, Italian, and Spanish. You can find more information about using Taguette via the getting started guide and FAQ .

You can install Taguette on your own computer with instructions and files from https://taguette.org/install.html .

If you need to collaborate on your qualitative project, you can use the free online server maintained by the developers of Taguette at https://app.taguette.org .

A turquoise hexagon is filled in with an aquamarine background. Qcoder is superimposed in the top point of the hexagon with a line drawing of an open book in the center.

qcoder:  With particular strengths for mixed and multi-method qualitative research in R, q coder is an excellent choice for researchers looking for a light-weight qualitative package for text analysis. By clicking on the logo to the left, you will be able to access instructions on how to install and use this package.

  • Using qcoder A how-to guide to creating a qcoder project.

Two large black letters QC are on a horizon style background with green ground and blue sky.

QualCoder : is a free desktop application for QDA that can be used to code Text, Images, and Audio Visual materials. This program is most similar to our supported proprietary software, allowing for advanced case management, data management and analytical tools. To access the QualCoder homepage, please click on the logo to the left.

  • Download QualCoder Access the QualCoder Github page to download and use this program.
  • QualCoder Manual Advanced documentation for how to use QualCoder.

BORIS: is a free and open source software for coding audio visual source material. Developed by a group of collaborators at the University of Torino in order to code video materials for behavioral analysis. Below are two video tutorials that will help you get started with using BORIS. To access the BORIS homepage please click on the logo to the left.

  • Download BORIS Use this to download and install BORIS
  • BORIS Manual For more advanced documentation on how to use BORIS.
  • << Previous: Choosing QDA software
  • Next: Taguette >>
  • Last Updated: Jan 26, 2024 10:22 AM
  • URL: https://guides.nyu.edu/QDA

The Sheridan Libraries

  • Qualitative Data Analysis Software (nVivo, Atlas.TI, and more)
  • Sheridan Libraries

Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS) overview

Choosing qda software, core qdas functions.

  • Other QDAS Software
  • Qualitative Data Sources

For direct assistance

JHU Data Services

Contact us , JHU Data Services   for assistance with access to nVivo and ATLAS.ti at the Data Services offices on A level, JHU Eisenhower Library.

Visit our website for more info and our upcoming training workshops !

Qualitative research has benefited from a range of software tools facilitating most qualitative methodological techniques, particularly those involving multimedia digital data. These guides focus on two major QDAS products, nVivo and ATLAS.ti.  Both programs can be found on the workstations at the Data Services computer lab on A-level, Eisenhower Library, and nVivo is available through JHU's SAFE Desktop . This guide also lists other QDA software and linked resources.

Many university libraries have produced comprehensive guides on nVivo, ATLAS.ti, and other QDA software, to which we will provide links with our gratitude

Schmider, Christian. n.d. What Qualitative Data Analysis Software Can and Can’t Do for You – an Intro Video . MERIT Library at the School of Education: School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLKfaCiHVic .

  • Supported Methods
  • Decision Factors
  • Compare QDA Software

Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Software supports a variety of qualitative techniques and methodologies

Qualitative techniques supported by  QDAS

  • Coding and Classifying
  • Writing: analysis, description, memos
  • Relating: finding and annotating connections, relationships, patterns
  • Audio/Visual analysis: marking, clipping, transcribing, annotating
  • Text mining: computer-aided discovery in large amounts of unstructured text
  • Visualization: diagramming, relationship and network patterns, quantitative summary 

QDAS  supported methodologies

  • Ethnography
  • Case studies
  • Grounded theory/ phenomenology
  • Discourse/narrative analysis
  • Sociolinguistic analysis
  • Collaborative qualitative research
  • Text analysis & text mining

Overview of qualitative methods from ATLAS.ti:  https://atlasti.com/qualitative-research-methods/

Decision factors for your research

  • Methods to feature facilitation (in disciplinary context): How many features directly support your methodology?
  • Interface for collection, analysis, reports: Do features accommodate most phases of your research workflow?
  • Visualization and outputs: Does it produce and successfully export needed visualization without extensive modification?
  • Cost and access to software: Is it worth the investment cost as well as in learning to use it? Look for education discounts.
  • Software Comparisons: Commercial & Free. (George Mason University) Lists of flagship software, free software, and tools for converting codebooks among QDA software.
  • QDA Software Comparison Chart (NYU Libraries) Comparison chart of QDA software from NYU Library's LibGuide
  • Top 14 Qualitative Data Analysis Software Guide with descriptive summaries of the main QDA software, several with business focus.
  • Dueling CAQDAS using ATLAS.ti and NVivo Webinar comparing features and use of ATLAS.ti and NVIvo for qualitative data analysis. Includes live demos.

Basic functions common to most QDA programs, and to NVivo and ATLAS.ti in particular:

  • Application of a maintained set of terms and short phrases linked to segments of text or audio/video that can be queried and gathered for comparative analysis. 
  • Longer narrative notes attached to text or a/v segments, or to codes
  • Quick access to codes and segments that can be brought together in panel views for comparison, advanced Boolean search options, and flexible interlinking of segments, codes, and annotation
  • Most QDAS facilitates transcribing audio and video, ideally maintaining the links between transcript and A/V segments. 
  • Gathering codes, segments, and annotations facilitates pattern discovery and further description of relationships. Some QDAS support social network analysis techniques and visualization
  • A range of reports using queries and filters to assemble data and annotations facilitates analysis and writing results.
  • ​ Typically includes code tables, social network graphs, and annotated A/V clips.
  • Shared access to data & analysis, facilitating comments and discussion, and tracking contributor actions and changes.
  • Next: NVivo >>
  • Last Updated: Apr 25, 2024 3:54 PM
  • URL: https://guides.library.jhu.edu/QDAS

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10 best qualitative data analysis tools

A lot of teams spend a lot of time collecting qualitative customer experience data—but how do you make sense of it, and how do you turn insights into action?

Qualitative data analysis tools help you make sense of customer feedback so you can focus on improving the user and product experience and creating customer delight.

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qualitative research software free

This chapter of Hotjar's qualitative data analysis (QDA) guide covers the ten best QDA tools that will help you make sense of your customer insights and better understand your users.

Collect qualitative customer data with Hotjar

Use Hotjar’s Surveys and Feedback widget to collect user insights and better understand your customers.

10 tools for qualitative data analysis 

Qualitative data analysis involves gathering, structuring, and interpreting contextual data to identify key patterns and themes in text, audio, and video.

Qualitative data analysis software automates this process, allowing you to focus on interpreting the results—and make informed decisions about how to improve your product—rather than wading through pages of often subjective, text-based data.

Pro tip: before you can analyze qualitative data, you need to gather it. 

One way to collect qualitative customer insights is to place Hotjar Surveys on key pages of your site . Surveys make it easy to capture voice-of-the-customer (VoC) feedback about product features, updated designs, and customer satisfaction—or to perform user and market research.

Need some ideas for your next qualitative research survey? Check out our Hotjar Survey Templates for inspiration.

Example product discovery questions from Hotjar’s bank of survey templates

Example product discovery questions from Hotjar’s bank of survey templates

1. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a no-code qualitative data analysis tool that gives researchers, product marketers, and developers access to AI-based analytics without dealing with complex interfaces.

#Cauliflower analytics dashboard

How Cauliflower analyzes qualitative data

Cauliflower’s AI-powered analytics help you understand the differences and similarities between different pieces of customer feedback. Ready-made visualizations help identify themes in customers’ words without reading through every review, and make it easy to:

Analyze customer survey data and answers to open-ended questions

Process and understand customer reviews

Examine your social media channels

Identify and prioritize product testing initiatives

Visualize results and share them with your team

One of Cauliflower’s customers says, “[Cauliflower is] great for visualizing the output, particularly finding relevant patterns in comparing breakouts and focussing our qualitative analysis on the big themes emerging.”

NVivo is one of the most popular qualitative data analysis tools on the market—and probably the most expensive. It’s a more technical solution than Cauliflower, and requires more training. NVivo is best for tech-savvy customer experience and product development teams at mid-sized companies and enterprises.

#Coding research materials with NVivo

How NVivo analyzes qualitative data

NVivo’s Transcription tool transcribes and analyzes audio and video files from recorded calls—like sales calls, customer interviews, and product demos—and lets you automatically transfer text files into NVivo for further analysis to:

Find recurring themes in customer feedback

Analyze different types of qualitative data, like text, audio, and video

Code and visualize customer input

Identify market gaps based on qualitative and consumer-focused research

Dylan Hazlett from Adial Pharmaceuticals says, “ We needed a reliable software to perform qualitative text analysis. The complexity and features of [Nvivo] have created great value for our team.”

3. ​​Quirkos

Quirkos is a simple and affordable qualitative data analysis tool. Its text analyzer identifies common keywords within text documents to help businesses quickly and easily interpret customer reviews and interviews.

#Quirkos analytics report

How Quirkos analyzes qualitative data

Quirkos displays side-by-side comparison views to help you understand the difference between feedback shared by different audience groups (by age group, location, gender, etc.). You can also use it to:

Identify keywords and phrases in survey responses and customer interviews

Visualize customer insights

Collaborate on projects

Color code texts effortlessly

One of Quirkos's users says, “ The interface is intuitive, easy to use, and follows quite an intuitive method of assigning codes to documents.”

4. Qualtrics

Qualtrics is a sophisticated experience management platform. The platform offers a range of tools, but we’ll focus on Qualtrics CoreXM here.  

Qualtrics CoreXM lets you collect and analyze insights to remove uncertainty from product development. It helps validate product ideas, spot gaps in the market, and identify broken product experiences, and the tool uses predictive intelligence and analytics to put your customer opinion at the heart of your decision-making.

#Qualtrics customer data dashboard

How Qualtrics analyzes qualitative data

Qualtrics helps teams streamline multiple processes in one interface. You can gather and analyze qualitative data, then immediately share results and hypotheses with stakeholders. The platform also allows you to:

Collect customer feedback through various channels

Understand emotions and sentiment behind customers’ words

Predict what your customers will do next

Act immediately based on the results provided through various integrations

A user in project management shares, “The most useful part of Qualtrics is the depth of analytics you receive on your surveys, questionnaires, and other tools. In real-time, as you develop your surveys, you are given insights into how your data can be analyzed. It is designed to help you get the data you need without asking unnecessary questions.”

5. Dovetail

Dovetail is a customer research platform for growing businesses. It offers three core tools: Playback, Markup, and Backstage. For qualitative data analysis, you’ll need Markup.

Markup offers tools for transcription and analysis of all kinds of qualitative data, and is a great way to consolidate insights.

#Transcription and analysis of an interview with Dovetail

How Dovetail analyzes qualitative data

Dovetail’s charts help you easily quantify qualitative data. If you need to present your findings to the team, the platform makes it easy to loop in your teammates, manage access rights, and collaborate through the interface. You can:

Transcribe recordings automatically

Discover meaningful patterns in textual data

Highlight and tag customer interviews

Run sentiment analysis

Collaborate on customer research through one interface

Kathryn Rounding , Senior Product Designer at You Need A Budget, says, “Dovetail is a fantastic tool for conducting and managing qualitative research. It helps bring all your research planning, source data, analysis, and reporting together, so you can not only share the final results but all the supporting work that helped you get there.”

6. Thematic

Thematic's AI-driven text feedback analysis platform helps you understand what your customers are saying—and why they’re saying it.

#Text analysis in action, with Thematic

How Thematic analyzes qualitative data

Thematic helps you connect feedback from different channels, uncover themes in customer experience data, and run sentiment analysis—all to make better product decisions. Thematic is helpful when you need to:

Analyze unstructured feedback data from across channels

Discover relationships and patterns in feedback

Reveal emerging trends in customer feedback

Split insights by customer segment

Use resulting data in predictive analytics

Emma Glazer , Director of Marketing at DoorDash, says, “Thematic empowers us with information to help make the right decisions, and I love seeing themes as they emerge. We get real-time signals on issues our customers are experiencing and early feedback on new features they love. I love looking at the week-over-week breakdowns and comparing segments of our audience (market, tenure, etc.) Thematic helps me understand what’s driving our metrics and what steps we need to take next.” 

Delve is cloud-based qualitative data analysis software perfect for coding large volumes of textual data, and is best for analyzing long-form customer interviews.

#Qualitative data coding with Delve

How Delve analyzes qualitative data

Delve helps reveal the core themes and narratives behind transcripts from sales calls and customer interviews. It also helps to:

Find, group, and refine themes in customer feedback

Analyze long-form customer interviews

Categorize your data by code, pattern, and demographic information

Perform thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and grounded theory analysis

One Delve user says, “Using Delve, it is easier to focus just on coding to start, without getting sidetracked analyzing what I am reading. Once coding is finished, the selected excerpts are already organized based on my own custom outline and I can begin analyzing right away, rather than spending time organizing my notes before I can begin the analysis and writing process.”

8. ATLAS.ti

ATLAS.ti is a qualitative data analysis tool that brings together customer and product research data. It has a range of helpful features for marketers, product analysts, UX professionals, and product designers.

#Survey analysis with ATLAS.ti

How ATLAS.ti analyzes qualitative data

ATLAS.ti helps product teams collect, structure, and evaluate user feedback before realizing new product ideas. To enhance your product design process with ATLAS.ti, you can:

Generate qualitative insights from surveys

Apply any method of qualitative research

Analyze open-ended questions and standardized surveys

Perform prototype testing

Visualize research results with charts

Collaborate with your team through a single platform

One of the ATLAS.ti customers shares,“ATLAS.ti is innovating in the handling of qualitative data. It gives the user total freedom and the possibility of connecting with other software, as it has many export options.” 

MAXQDA is a data analysis software that can analyze and organize a wide range of data, from handwritten texts, to video recordings, to Tweets.

#Audience analysis with MAXQDA

How MAXQDA analyzes qualitative data

MAWQDA organizes your customer interviews and turns the data into digestible statistics by enabling you to:

Easily transcribe audio or video interviews

Structure standardized and open-ended survey responses

Categorize survey data

Combine qualitative and quantitative methods to get deeper insights into customer data

Share your work with team members

One enterprise-level customer says MAXQDA has “lots of useful features for analyzing and reporting interview and survey data. I really appreciated how easy it was to integrate SPSS data and conduct mixed-method research. The reporting features are high-quality and I loved using Word Clouds for quick and easy data representation.”

10. MonkeyLearn

MonkeyLearn is no-code analytics software for CX and product teams.

#MonkeyLearn qualitative data analytics dashboard

How MonkeyLearn analyzes qualitative data

MonkeyLearn automatically sorts, visualizes, and prioritizes customer feedback with its AI-powered algorithms. Along with organizing your data into themes, the tool will split it by intent—allowing you to promptly distinguish positive reviews from issues and requests and address them immediately.

One MonkeyLearn user says, “I like that MonkeyLearn helps us pull data from our tickets automatically and allows us to engage with our customers properly. As our tickets come in, the AI classifies data through keywords and high-end text analysis. It highlights specific text and categorizes it for easy sorting and processing.”

The next step in automating qualitative data analysis 

Qualitative data analysis tools help you uncover actionable insights from customer feedback, reviews, interviews, and survey responses—without getting lost in data.

But there's no one tool to rule them all: each solution has specific functionality, and your team might need to use the tools together depending on your objectives.

With the right qualitative data analysis software, you can make sense of what your customers really want and create better products for them, achieving customer delight and loyalty.

FAQs about qualitative data analysis software

What is qualitative data analysis software.

Qualitative data analysis software is technology that compiles and organizes contextual, non-quantifiable data, making it easy to interpret qualitative customer insights and information.

Which software is used for qualitative data analysis?

The best software used for qualitative data analysis is:

Cauliflower

MonkeyLearn

Is NVivo the only tool for qualitative data analysis?

NVivo isn’t the only tool for qualitative data analysis, but it’s one of the best (and most popular) software providers for qualitative and mixed-methods research.

QDA examples

Previous chapter

Guide index

University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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Qualitative Data Analysis: Free Tools for QDA

  • Atlas.ti web
  • R for text analysis
  • Microsoft Excel & spreadsheets
  • Other options
  • Planning Qual Data Analysis
  • Free Tools for QDA
  • QDA with NVivo
  • QDA with Atlas.ti
  • QDA with MAXQDA
  • PKM for QDA
  • QDA with Quirkos
  • Working Collaboratively
  • Qualitative Methods Texts
  • Transcription
  • Data organization
  • Example Publications

Most recent workshop slides

Most recent workshop recording, workshop information, workshop description .

In this workshop, we’ll discuss free tools that are available for conducting qualitative data analysis, with a focus on Taguette and spreadsheet tools.

This workshop does not assume any previous knowledge of Taguette or other QDA software, but does expect that you know how to work with data in spreadsheet format.

If you’d like to explore Taguette before the workshop, you can create an account on the Taguette website or explore their guide . 

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of the workshop, we expect that you’ll be able to:

  • Create a project in Taguette and add research collaborators
  • Upload text data to Taguette
  • Building a code book with a hierarchical structure
  • Coding text data using codes
  • Export coded data from Tageutte to a spreadsheet
  • Describe which spreadsheet tools can be used in qualitative data analysis
  • Describe how Taguette and spreadsheet software can be used in your own research project
  • List other free tools for qualitative data analysis and assess their use for your own work, including QualCoder and R.

Free QDA Software Comparison

Taguette how-to videos.

  • Get Started
  • Collaborating
  • Google Sheets: Analysis
  • Create Tags in Taguette Taguette uses the term tag to refer to codes. You can create single tags as well as a tag hierarchy using punctuation marks.
  • Highlighting Select text with a document (a highlight) and apply tags to code data in Taguette.
  • << Previous: Planning Qual Data Analysis
  • Next: QDA with NVivo >>
  • Last Updated: Apr 5, 2024 2:23 PM
  • URL: https://guides.library.illinois.edu/qualitative

Provalis Research - Text Analytics Software Leader

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Compare Lite Version vs Full Version

Please note that you cannot import or merge a QDA Miner Lite project into a QDA Miner Trial version, but you can import it into the paid version of QDA Miner. However, merging projects created or edited in QDA Miner Lite is not allowed.

Qualitative data brought to life. Qualitative data brought to life.

Quirkos is simple qualitative analysis software, designed to immerse you in your qualitative text data and help you to understand it quickly and easily.

Helping qualitative researchers understand their data for 9+ years

Quirkos is the best tool for qualitative research - it really helps with visualising the data and identifying patterns within multiple datasets!

Oliver, PhD Candidate

Quirkos screenshot

Work together with Quirkos Cloud

Code qualitative text with an unlimited number of simultaneous users with no extra costs. Work from any device and see edits from colleagues pop up in real time.

With live chat and all your collaborative projects synced and backed up on our secure cloud servers, it's never been easier to stay on the same page.

Quick to learn, flexible to use

Quirkos is easy to master, with just the essential tools you need to help you focus on the richness of your small qualitative data sets. Organise your sources, canvas and codes in any way, and finely categorise and filter your data. Our flexible design is agnostic, so you can use grounded theory, thematic analysis, or IPA as you prefer.

Illustration of people collaborating

Cloud collaboration and secure storage

With a Quirkos Cloud subscription, you can collaborate seamlessly with colleagues in real-time. Our automated transcription service makes it easy to bring in your recorded data and get analysing quickly. You'll also get unlimited cloud storage and the ability to work across all your devices, with your project data stored and backed up automatically on our secure servers.

Platform freedom

Enjoy the same intuitive experience and features across Windows, Mac, Linux, and any web browser - including tablets and smartphones with Quirkos Cloud.

Easy import

Cross-compatibility, data visualisation, side-by-side comparisons, robust export options, secure transcription, security by design, first-class support, make qualitative data analysis easier with quirkos.

Watch a video introduction to Quirkos, or view our free resources and tutorials for more in-depth guides.

Affordable qualitative software for everyone

I thoroughly enjoyed using your software to analyze my data. I've enjoyed it so much that I sing your praises at my university.

Kevin, PhD candidate

Our mantra is 'accessibility'; Quirkos is often half the price of alternative qualitative software, with great discounts for students, academics, non-profit organisations, and the public sector. For those in the global majority world, we also have a 25% discount to make qualitative analysis software accessible to everyone. Find out more on our pricing page .

Cloud or Offline?

We offer two options for purchasing Quirkos: a recurring annual or quarterly subscription, or a permanent, single-purchase software licence. Both provide full access to Quirkos Desktop , our desktop app for Windows, Mac and Linux, while Quirkos Cloud subscriptions allow you to access your synced data anywhere, including in the Web App with nothing to install.

As well as the below prices for individuals, we offer significantly discounted group rates for organisations and teams interested in using Quirkos.

Prices below are based on 1 year subscriptions; minimum subscription is 3 months.

Quirkos accessible via a tablet

Select a rate:

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Quirkos Cloud

  • Access to Quirkos Desktop on all devices you own for the duration of your subscription
  • Unlimited, secure Cloud storage
  • Access to Quirkos Web, our browser-based version which requires no download
  • Live collaboration and project sharing

Offline Licence

$69 / lifetime.

  • Lifetime access to Quirkos Desktop on one or two computers
  • Store projects offline on your hard drive
  • No registration or log-in required
  • Collaborate with other Quirkos users offline, sending projects back and forth

Our next event

Ready to give Quirkos a try? Register for a free 14-day trial of Quirkos today, with no restrictions on features or projects. with no restrictions on features or projects. Want to learn more? Read more about our features or see Quirkos in action !

Weft QDA is (or was) an easy-to-use, free and open-source tool for the analysis of textual data such as interview transcripts, fieldnotes and other documents. An excerpt from my MSc dissertation explains the thinking behind the software in more detail.

The software isn’t being maintained or updated, but the most recent version is available for interest. This version includes some standard CAQDAS features: (Follow the links to see screenshots)

  • Import plain-text documents from text files or PDF
  • Character-level coding using categories organised in a tree structure
  • Retrieval of coded text and ‘coding-on’
  • Simple coding statistics
  • Fast free-text search
  • Combine coding and searches using boolean queries AND, OR, AND NOT
  • ‘ Code Review ’ to evaluate coding patterns across multiple documents
  • Export to HTML and CSV formats

Using Weft QDA

The currrent version is 1.0.1 , which was released in April 2006. IMPORTANT : this software is offered without any warranty or support. Some people may still find it interesting or even useful, but:

  • it is not for major projects like a PhD thesis.
  • Version 1.0.1 does contain bugs that can occasion the loss of data in your analysis, or make the project file unreadable, so
  • If you use Weft QDA in earnest, you should regularly make a back-up of your project (the .qdp file).
  • (Jun 2014) Since Weft QDA was developed, free (but not open source) versions of some commercial software have emerged (e.g. QDA Miner Lite ).

For Windows

Weft QDA 1.0.1 was developed for Windows XP, but may work on newer versions. Windows users should download this installer which contains everything you need to use Weft. It’s available to download via Softpedia’s Weft QDA page .

Weft QDA download [2.66MB - version 1.0.1 - 26/04/2006]

Save the installer somewhere on your hard disk, then double-click the saved icon to run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Using 1.0.1 on Linux

Unfortunately, Weft QDA 1.0.1 depends on such old versions of system libraries (e.g. GTK) that it is very difficult or impossible to run Weft QDA 1.0.1 on a modern Linux distro. The source was hosted on RubyForge, but the site no longer exists. There is historic information on installation options and prerequisites .

The best way to run Weft QDA on Linux is to use WINE . C Lejeune offers further information on Weft QDA on (Debian) Linux .

Getting started and getting help

The Weft QDA Manual is the best place to start learning how to use the software. This manual is also available as a PDF for printing or on-screen viewing. Documentation in a variety of formats is included in the downloadable packages for off-line browsing.

There is also a spanish translation of the manual , courtesy of M. Cecilia Martínez.

Getting Help

I’m afraid there is no support for using Weft QDA; the mailing list previously on Rubyforge is no longer operational. Please don’t email me directly with requests for help using Weft QDA; I’m afraid I won’t reply.

History and Future

Weft QDA was originally written out of curiosity whilst completing a Masters in Social Research Methods at the University of Surrey in 2004. I was annoyed by over-priced and over-complex commercial CAQDAS . The software was tidied up and documented, and then first released in 2005.

Development / Abandonment

I did a lot of work towards a version 2.0 of Weft QDA, and got as far as a basic alpha release. Version 2.0 was going to add support for multilingual text, photos, audio and video documents, along with other new features and interface improvements, and was going to work well on OS X and modern Linux distros. However, I haven’t done any serious development on Weft QDA since early 2009, and it’s unlikely I’ll resume at any time soon. I’m just interested in thinking about and doing other things at the moment.

The project has thus been orphaned for several years. If you have a serious interest in reviving it, I do still have the source code somewhere. Weft QDA was written in the Ruby programming language, using WxRuby for the user interface and SQLite for the file storage.

Thank you to those who’ve tried the application, and especially to all those who’ve tried it and responded with their suggestions, views and kind words of thanks. Thanks to Rubyforge, who did for a long time hosted the project, including providing the downloads. Thanks also to the other open-source projects upon which it depended.

A few QDA Links

  • TextAnalysis.info - Extensive listing and discussion of textual analysis applications, from Harald Klein
  • CAQDAS Networking Project Training, advice and information about CAQDAS from a research centre the University of Surrey, UK
  • Online QDA archive of Methods research project at Loughborough University

All-in-One CAQDAS Software

All-in-one caqdas software, start your free trial.

Free MAXQDA trial for Windows and Mac

Your trial will end automatically after 14 days.

Unlock the full potential of your qualitative research with the leading CAQDAS Software

MAXQDA is the most user-friendly choice CAQDAS software. It is designed to work with a wide range of data types, including text, audio, and video, and offers a variety of powerful tools for CAQDAS. Whether you’re looking to code and classify data, visualize patterns and themes, or perform mixed-methods, or quantitative content analysis, MAXQDA makes it easy to get the insights you need for your qualitative data analysis.

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Your analysis.

CAQDAS Software MAXQDA Interface

All-in-one CAQDAS Software developed by and for researchers

MAXQDA is the go-to CAQDAS software for managing and analyzing your qualitative research. Developed by and for researchers, it offers a wide range of powerful tools for managing your research project, analyzing data, and collaborating with team members. With its user-friendly interface, step-by-step free tutorials, and comprehensive documentation, it’s the perfect choice for both experienced and novice qualitative researchers. MAXQDA streamlines the CAQDAS process, giving you more time to focus on interpreting and understanding your data, rather than struggling with complicated software.

Developed by and for researchers – since 1989

qualitative research software free

Having used several CAQDAS software programs, there is no doubt in my mind that MAXQDA has advantages over all the others. In addition to its remarkable analytical features for harnessing data, MAXQDA’s stellar customer service, online tutorials, and global learning community make it a user friendly and top-notch product.

Sally S. Cohen – NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing

Qualitative Data Analysis is Faster and Smarter with MAXQDA

MAXQDA revolutionizes the use of CAQDAS software, making qualitative data analysis faster and easier than ever before. It offers a wide range of analysis methods, including Grounded Theory, qualitative content analysis, group discussions, discourse analysis, Mixed Methods, and case and field studies. Its user-friendly 4-Window Interface provides quick access to powerful tools and functions, streamlining the data analysis process. Additionally, MAXQDA is the only leading CAQDAS software that is 100% identical on Windows and Mac, providing a consistent and seamless analysis experience.

All-in-one CAQDAS software

As your all-in-one CAQDAS software, you can use MAXQDA to manage your entire research project. Easily import a wide range of data types such as texts, interviews, focus groups, PDFs, web pages, spreadsheets, articles, e-books, bibliographic data, videos, audio files, and even social media data. Organize your data in groups, link relevant quotes to each other, use MAXQDA’s powerful tools designed to facilitate your qualitative analysis, and share and compare work with your team members. Your project file stays flexible and you can expand and refine your category system as you go to suit your research.

All-in-one CAQDAS Software MAXQDA: Import of documents

Code faster and smarter with CAQDAS Software

MAXQDA is a CAQDAS software that is easy-to-use and can be used to mark important information in your data with different codes, colors, symbols, and emoticons. Because time is precious, you can create codes with just one click and apply them to your data quickly via drag & drop. MAXQDA as the #1 CAQDAS software offers Text Search tools that allow you to explore your material without coding or reading them first. Search for keywords and automatically code them with just a few clicks. Organize your thoughts and theories in memos that can be linked to any element of your project. Retrieve your coded segments with one click or use MAXQDA’s powerful summary tools to test and develop new theories.

Organize your research insights

Great ideas will often occur to you while you’re performing your qualitative analysis. With a CAQDAS software like MAXQDA, you can create memos to store your ideas, such as research questions and objectives, or you can use memos for paraphrasing passages into your own words. Memos are also great for creating audit trails. By attaching memos like post-it notes to text passages, texts, document groups, images, audio/video clips, and codes, you can easily retrieve them at a later stage. The unique MAXQDA memo manager and lexical search function guarantee immediate access to every single memo at any time.

Using CAQDAS Software MAXQDA to Organize Your Qualitative Data: Memo Tools

Find what you’re looking for

When conducting a qualitative analysis, you might need to analyze large amount of text. Luckily, a CAQDAS software like MAXQDA offers Text Search tools that allow you to explore your documents without reading or coding them first. Search for keywords (or dictionaries of keywords), such as important concepts for your qualitative data analysis, and automatically code them with just a few clicks. The automatically created document variables can be used for searching and retrieving certain segments or use MAXQDA’s powerful Coding Query, which allows you to analyze the combination of activated codes in different ways.

Illustrate word frequencies

One of the many features that MAXQDA offers are Word Clouds. Word Clouds can facilitate your qualitative analysis by quickly visualizing the most frequent words or word combinations used in your documents and, or use word clouds to present your text analysis results in a visually more appealing way. Using the different font sizes, you can immediately see which words have been used most. MAXQDA also arranges the words in alphabetical order and offers many formatting options to adjust the Word Cloud to your needs. Thanks to the interactive connection between your word cloud and your MAXQDA data, you’ll never lose sight of the big picture.

Visual text exploration with MAXQDA's Word Tree

Quantitative evaluation of themes

Quantitative aspects can also be relevant in qualitative analysis. Because MAXQDA is a CAQDAS software designed by and for researchers, it offers an entire add-on module with tools specifically designed to facilitate quantitative content analyses. Included are tools for word frequency analysis, visual text exploration, content analysis, vocabulary analysis, dictionary-based analysis, and more that facilitate the quantitative analysis of terms and their semantic contexts. You can display frequencies of individual words or word combinations in tables or visualize them in the Interactive Wordtree, or use the Keyword-in-Context function to transfer the textual contexts of selected words into a clear table, and much more.

Visualize your qualitative data

As an all-in-one CAQDAS software, MAXQDA offers a variety of visual tools that are tailor-made for qualitative research and content analyses. Create stunning visualizations to analyze your material. Of course, you can export your visualizations in various formats to enrich your final report. Visualize the progression of an interview with the Codeline, use the Code Cloud to illustrate and explore your categories, or make use of the graphical representation possibilities of MAXMaps, which in particular permit the creation of concept maps. Thanks to the interactive connection between your visualizations with your MAXQDA data, you’ll never lose sight of the big picture.

Daten visualization with CAQDAS Software MAXQDA

AI Assist: CAQDAS Software meets AI

AI Assist – your virtual research assistant – supports your work with various tools. Besides automatic transcription of audio and video recordings in different languages, AI Assist simplifies your work by automatically analyzing and summarizing elements of your research project and by generating suggestions for subcodes. No matter which AI tool you use – you can customize your results to suit your needs.

Free tutorials and guides on CAQDAS Software

MAXQDA offers a variety of free learning resources for CAQDAS, making it easy for both beginners and advanced users to learn how to use the software. From free video tutorials and webinars to step-by-step guides and sample projects, these resources provide a wealth of information to help you understand the features and functionality of MAXQDA. For beginners, the software’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive help center make it easy to get started with your data analysis, while advanced users will appreciate the detailed guides and tutorials that cover more complex features and techniques. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced researcher, MAXQDA’s free learning resources will help you get the most out of your CAQDAS Software.

Free Tutorials for CAQDAS Software MAXQDA

Free MAXQDA Trial for Windows and Mac

Get your maxqda license, compare the features of maxqda and maxqda analytics pro, faq: caqdas software.

When it comes to CAQDAS software, MAXQDA stands out as the undeniable leader. MAXQDA offers a comprehensive suite of features that empowers researchers to delve deep into their qualitative data. Its user-friendly interface, robust capabilities, and commitment to innovation make it the best CAQDAS software for qualitative data analysis.

MAXQDA has been trusted by researchers across various disciplines and industries for years. Its reputation for excellence is built on a foundation of continuous improvement and responsiveness to the evolving needs of qualitative researchers.

CAQDAS stands for Computer-Aided Qualitative Data Analysis Software. It represents a category of software tools designed to support researchers in the qualitative data analysis process. MAXQDA, as a premier CAQDAS software, plays a pivotal role in helping researchers manage, analyze, and draw insights from their qualitative data efficiently.

MAXQDA understands that qualitative research is dynamic and multifaceted. Hence, it offers a wide array of features and capabilities to accommodate the diverse needs of researchers engaged in qualitative data analysis.

MAXQDA proudly serves Mac users with the best CAQDAS software experience. Whether you’re working on a Mac or Windows, MAXQDA ensures seamless compatibility. Mac users can rely on MAXQDA to provide them with all the powerful qualitative data analysis tools they need, without any compromise.

MAXQDA recognizes the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, and it extends its outstanding features to Mac users, ensuring that qualitative research knows no platform boundaries.

MAXQDA is the go-to choice for students looking for CAQDAS software. It’s not just about being the best; it’s also about being accessible to the next generation of researchers. MAXQDA understands the financial constraints that students often face, which is why it offers affordable pricing options specifically tailored to students.

By choosing MAXQDA, students can harness the power of a professional-grade CAQDAS tool without breaking the bank, giving them a competitive edge in their research endeavors.

CAQDAS software, exemplified by MAXQDA, is a sophisticated suite of tools designed to simplify and enhance the qualitative data analysis process. It enables researchers to manage, organize, code, and analyze vast volumes of qualitative data efficiently and effectively.

MAXQDA recognizes that qualitative data can be rich and complex, involving various data sources, such as interviews, surveys, textual content, and multimedia. MAXQDA’s versatility and adaptability make it a powerful ally for researchers grappling with diverse types of qualitative data.

CAQDAS software, including MAXQDA, comes equipped with a range of essential features to facilitate qualitative data analysis. These features encompass data coding, text analysis, data visualization, memo writing, and collaborative tools for team-based research projects.

MAXQDA takes these core features to the next level with its advanced capabilities. Researchers can engage in mixed methods analysis, perform multimedia analysis, and generate comprehensive reports that communicate research findings effectively. MAXQDA’s commitment to innovation means that researchers always have access to cutting-edge tools for qualitative analysis.

CAQDAS software, like MAXQDA, revolutionizes qualitative data analysis by simplifying complex tasks and offering a structured approach. Researchers can use MAXQDA to code data, identify themes, cross-reference information, and create visual representations of their findings.

MAXQDA understands that qualitative research involves not just data analysis but also interpretation. It empowers researchers to uncover patterns, gain deeper insights, and generate meaningful narratives from their data. With MAXQDA’s assistance, researchers can elevate the quality of their research outputs and make a more substantial impact.

MAXQDA’s versatility ensures that it caters to a broad spectrum of users, ranging from beginners to seasoned researchers. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive design make it accessible to those new to qualitative data analysis.

For experienced researchers, MAXQDA provides advanced features and customization options to meet their specific needs. Whether you’re just starting your research journey or are an established scholar, MAXQDA is a valuable companion in qualitative data analysis.

While it’s possible to conduct qualitative data analysis without CAQDAS software, using a tool like MAXQDA significantly enhances the efficiency and depth of the analysis. MAXQDA simplifies the process, automates repetitive tasks, and ensures data integrity, allowing researchers to focus more on interpreting data and generating insights.

MAXQDA recognizes that qualitative research is multifaceted, and it provides researchers with a systematic and organized approach that fosters rigor and reproducibility in their work.

CAQDAS Software MAXQDA offers flexible pricing options tailored to different needs. They understand that every researcher, institution, or student has unique requirements, and they strive to accommodate them all.

For students, MAXQDA offers budget-friendly licenses, ensuring that educational advancement is within reach. For academic institutions and individual researchers, MAXQDA provides competitive pricing packages that guarantee access to a world-class CAQDAS software without financial constraints.

MAXQDA stands as the paramount example of CAQDAS software. Its unmatched capabilities, dedication to user satisfaction, and continuous innovation have solidified its position as the industry standard for qualitative data analysis.

Our commitment to excellence extends to its global community of researchers who rely on it to unlock the full potential of their qualitative data. When you choose MAXQDA, you’re not just choosing software; you’re choosing a partner in qualitative research.

qualitative research software free

qualitative research software free

The world’s most powerful AI-based qualitative data analysis solution.

QualAI utilizes advanced AI technology to increase researcher efficiency, enhance data reliability, and mitigate bias.

qualitative research software free

researchers

QualAI aids researchers with data codification, thematic analyses, and content summaries to increase data reliability and mitigate bias.

organizations

QualAI helps organizations with market research, consumer analysis, business development, data aggregation and interpretation.

See how QualAI helps students analyze large-scale qualitative data sets, codify transcripts, and generate themes to reduce bias and increase efficiency.

qualitative research software free

ERIK ALANSON, Ph.d.

Co-Founder, QualAI

Academic Researcher

University Professor

qualitative research software free

tonkia bridges, ed.d.

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  • Research Guides
  • Topic Guides

Qualitative Data Analysis and QDA Tools

  • Choose QDA software
  • Access QDA software
  • Find qualitative data
  • Share qualitative data
  • Teach with qualitative data
  • Transcription

What is QDA?

Qualitative research takes many forms but often involves the collection, processing, and analysis of unstructured data, such as interviews, article text, online content, open-ended survey questions, recordings, focus group observations, etc.

Qualitative data analysis (QDA) can be supported by specialized tools and software that help manage, transcribe, organize, code, analyze, and visualize this data to yield insights.

Qualitative Data Support at Temple Libraries

We offer help via email or appointment. We can provide support for NVivo, ATLAS.ti, and some open-source qualitative data tools.

We can help with:

Learning about qualitative data analysis

Choosing QDA software

Conducting qualitative data and mixed methods analyses and using QDA software

Finding qualitative datasets and example studies

Managing and sharing qualitative data

Identifying transcription tools and services

An instruction session on any of these topics for your students or research group

Recommendations for teaching with qualitative data

QDA Software Access at Temple

Temple does not have a university-wide site license for NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA, Dedoose, or any other commercial qualitative data analysis (QDA) software.

Options at Charles Library: The Duckworth Scholars Studio computer lab provides on-site access to NVivo and Qualcoder, and both on-site and remote access to ATLAS.ti. Contact the Scholars Studio for more information.

Options at The Tech Center: The computers in the Tech Center have ATLAS.ti installed. A license key is needed to open and use the program. Contact your professor, or your School or College's ITS ( tuhelp.temple.edu or call 215-204-8000) to inquire about getting an ATLAS.ti license.

Additional options: Students may take advantage of discounted pricing for some qualitative data analysis platforms directly from the platform websites. There are also open-source QDA platforms. Temple ITS' Educational Discounts page in TUPortal (login required) also links to third party vendor OnTheHub , which offers discounted pricing on NVivo and MAXQDA.

Olivia Given Castello Head of Business, Social Sciences and Education [email protected]

Will Dean Research and Data Services Librarian Ginsburg Health Sciences Library [email protected]

Van Tran Public Health and Social Sciences Librarian [email protected]

Kristina De Voe English & Communications Librarian [email protected]

Fred Rowland Humanities Librarian [email protected]

H. Alex Wermer-Colan , Ph.D. Digital Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio Charles Library [email protected]

Related Guides

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  • Research Data Management
  • Generative AI and Chatbots
  • Next: Learn qualitative methods and QDA software >>
  • Last Updated: Apr 10, 2024 5:25 PM
  • URL: https://guides.temple.edu/qda

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Home Communities

Top 7 Focus Group Software for Comprehensive Research

Focus group software

It’s important to include qualitative research in long-term studies to really understand a community. Companies often use focus groups to gather deeper insights from their biggest supporters and customers. Focus group software is an easy way to get rich insights from discussions.

In this article, we will explore top focus group software and help you choose the best one.

What is Focus Group Software?

Focus group software is a tool designed to facilitate and streamline the process of conducting focus group sessions. This software helps researchers, marketers, and other professionals gather qualitative data and insights from participants in a well-organized and controlled way.

Focus group analysis software has various important roles in making focus group sessions run smoothly and effectively. Here are the typical functions of focus group software:

  • Participant Recruitment
  • Session Management
  • Moderation and Facilitation
  • Audio and Video Recordings
  • Transcription and Analysis
  • Participant Feedback

What are the Benefits of Focus Group Software?

The benefits of focus group software include:

  • Efficiency: It streamlines the entire focus group process, from participant recruitment to session management, saving researchers time and effort.
  • Organization: Focus group software helps keep sessions organized by managing participant lists, scheduling sessions, and providing tools for moderation and analysis.
  • Remote Participation: Many software platforms allow for remote participation, enabling researchers to conduct focus groups with participants worldwide and increasing accessibility and diversity.
  • Data Collection: It facilitates data collection by providing features for recording audio and video and tools for transcription and analysis, making it easier to gather and analyze qualitative data.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: By reducing the need for physical meeting spaces and travel expenses, focus group analysis software can be a cost-effective solution for conducting research.
  • Participant Engagement: Some software platforms offer interactive features that enhance participant engagement during focus group sessions, leading to richer and more insightful discussions.

Top 7 Focus Group Software in 2024

Focus group software plays a vital role in facilitating interactive discussions, collecting qualitative feedback, and analyzing participant responses. As we step into 2024, let’s explore some of the top focus group software options available:

01. QuestionPro Communities

QuestionPro Communities is an online focus group software and research community platform designed to help businesses understand their customers’ needs and expectations. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for conducting online qualitative research and gathering real-time insights from a community of participants.

qualitative research software free

How it works:

QuestionPro Communities enables researchers to conduct video discussions and online focus groups, offering greater control over the research process. This is particularly advantageous when external factors such as pandemics, scheduling issues, or geographical diversity may impact the ability to conduct offline qualitative research.

QuestionPro Communities has the ability to use smart filters to enroll the most relevant community members and invite them to join video discussions. Community administrators and researchers can plan, schedule, and efficiently conduct live discussions with panelists, replicating the models of offline traditional focus groups within the online community environment.

Moreover, QuestionPro Communities offers auto-transcription of chat discussions, making analysis more accessible and efficient. Researchers can mark out chats to track essential insights and monitor participant behavior in real-time from anywhere, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research data.

Forsta is focus group analysis software that helps make qualitative research smooth and efficient. This flexible tool combines various features to create a lively online space for running focus groups. It offers a user-friendly platform that allows researchers to conduct virtual sessions easily. Participants can engage in discussions, share their perspectives, and interact with each other in real-time.

Forsta offers a versatile platform for facilitating insightful qualitative research. It provides a virtual backroom where researchers and moderators can collaborate, discuss session objectives, and strategize before and during the focus group sessions.

The tool also lets you make breakout rooms, which means you can have smaller focus group discussions within the larger focus group. This feature fosters more intimate conversations and enhances participant engagement.

03. QualSights

QualSights is advanced online focus group software that aims to change the way focus group research is conducted. It has many useful features for researchers and businesses that want to gather detailed information through qualitative research data. QualSights helps researchers engage with research participants from diverse locations.

QualSights allows researchers to observe focus group sessions remotely through high-quality video streaming. It supports both one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions, providing flexibility to researchers in designing their study methodologies.

Participants can chat with each other and the moderator in a virtual space that encourages open conversations and sharing ideas.

MAXQDA is a comprehensive focus group analysis software designed to facilitate qualitative research projects. It provides a versatile platform for researchers to manage and analyze various data types, including text, audio, and video files. With its robust set of tools, MAXQDA enables users to conduct in-depth analysis of focus group data, extract meaningful insights, and generate visualizations to aid interpretation.

MAXQDA is an all-in-one solution for focus group analysis, offering powerful features customized specifically to meet the needs of qualitative research researchers. It allows researchers to import focus group transcripts in various common text formats, such as DOC, DOCX, ODT, RTF, and TXT.

Additionally, researchers can import audio or video files of focus group interviews and analyze them directly within the software, with or without a prior focus group transcript.

FlexMR is a comprehensive insight hub offering a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research tools, including conducting small video focus groups. It provides a user-friendly platform for conducting video focus groups with interactive features to enhance participant engagement and collaboration.

FlexMR enables researchers to conduct online focus groups with a range of interactive features, including images, audio, video, smart boards, and quick polls. Participants can engage in both video and text chats, while stakeholders and decision-makers can observe sessions from a virtual observation room with a private chat facility.

Hosts can actively facilitate engagement by liaising between moderators and observing stakeholders.

Aha! is an online qualitative research platform with a focus group and In-depth Interviews product. This online focus group platform has an integrated Zoom online platform, making it easy to use video, voice, sharing content, and chat features. This unique platform helps conduct live webcam and mobile video chats for research.

Aha! offers both scheduled and spontaneous focus group sessions through live webcam or mobile video chats. These meetings are recorded and can be transcribed automatically using machine learning or human transcription.

The platform also has useful features like a personalized client backroom, a scheduling system with alerts, and tech checks for smooth running.

Qualzy is a great focus group software that changes how researchers do qualitative research. It is designed to help researchers conduct in-depth market research on participant behaviors and experiences. This focus group analysis software offers a comprehensive suite of tools for focus group studies.

Qualzy makes market research easier from start to finish, covering everything from planning to sharing findings. With it, researchers can smoothly run video focus groups, connecting with participants even if they’re far away.

It also offers helpful tools for transcribing, translating, and editing, making it easier to turn focus group data into useful information. And because it works in multiple languages, researchers can connect with people from different backgrounds and get detailed, culturally relevant focus group data.

The Benefits of QuestionPro Communities in Focus Group Solutions

QuestionPro Communities is a focus group analysis software. It offers a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for conducting focus groups, empowering researchers to gather valuable insights efficiently and effectively.

Here are several benefits of using QuestionPro Communities in focus group solutions:

Seamless Online Experience

With QuestionPro Communities, researchers can seamlessly transition their focus group activities to an online environment. This eliminates the challenges with offline research, like scheduling issues and distance limits, so it’s easier to engage participants from different places.

Instant Feedback

The platform provides real-time analytics during focus group sessions, allowing you to make quick decisions and gain timely insights.

Cost-Effectiveness

Using QuestionPro Communities for online focus groups can save a lot of money compared to offline traditional focus group methods. You don’t have to pay for renting a venue, travel, or accommodations. This means businesses can spend their money and allocate resources more efficiently.

Targeted Recruitment

The software offers smart filters and participant selection tools, allowing researchers to recruit specific demographics or customer segments for their focus groups. This targeted approach ensures that discussions are relevant and meaningful, leading to deeper insights into customer needs and preferences.

Enhanced Engagement and Interaction

QuestionPro Communities enables rich multimedia interactions, including live video discussions and chat features, fostering greater participant engagement. This interactive environment encourages open dialogue and collaboration, producing richer qualitative data.

Efficient Analysis Tools

The platform includes features such as auto-transcription and chat analysis, streamlining the process of analyzing focus group data. Researchers can easily identify patterns, key themes, and sentiments within the discussions, accelerating the generation of actionable insights.

Behavior Monitoring

QuestionPro Communities allows researchers to monitor participant behavior in real time, providing valuable insights into engagement levels and response dynamics. This focus group analysis software enables researchers to adapt their approach during focus group sessions and ensure optimal outcomes.

Online focus groups are definitely the future of research. They’re easy to handle, packed with power, and offer great returns on investment. Transition your focus groups online now to unlock the full potential of qualitative research.

Running an online focus group becomes simple with robust online focus group software like QuestionPro Communities. This tool makes it easy to manage various frequent studies and those that last over time. Plus, it grants you access to quantitative and qualitative data, aiding your brand decisions.

QuestionPro Communities offers different modules for effectively managing online research. It includes features like IdeaBoard, a discussion platform for generating ideas, panel management, and handling rewards and incentives.

Start building your active online research community today! Cultivate meaningful relationships to stay ahead in the competitive business landscape and make smarter decisions.

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COMMENTS

  1. Taguette, the free and open-source qualitative data analysis tool

    Taguette is a tool for importing, highlighting, tagging, and exporting qualitative research materials. You can use it on your local computer or on a server, and it works with various file formats and languages.

  2. MAXQDA

    MAXQDA is a powerful and user-friendly tool for qualitative and mixed methods research. It offers automatic transcription, smart AI assistant, and various analysis and visualization features. Try it for free for Windows and Mac.

  3. Welcome

    Free and open source qualitative research tool. Welcome. TAGUETTE is an open-source web-based document tagging tool for qualitative data analysis.. Using this tool, you can upload a collection of documents, create a hierarchy of tags, and annotate portions of documents with tags and notes that you can recall and organize later.

  4. Best Free Qualitative Data Analysis Software

    Find and compare the best free qualitative data analysis software solutions for your business. See ratings, reviews, features, and user feedback for 2024 products on Capterra.

  5. Top 19 Free Qualitative Data Analysis Software

    Learn about the best software tools to analyze qualitative data in different formats and methods. Compare features, pricing, and reviews of 19 free qualitative data analysis software options.

  6. webQDA

    webQDA is a web-based software for qualitative research that supports text, image, video, audio, and other file types. It offers a collaborative environment, easy importing of projects, and adjustable pricing plans.

  7. ATLAS.ti

    ATLAS.ti is a software for qualitative data analysis that uses AI coding to generate insights from your documents. You can import, organize, analyze, and visualize your data with AI-powered tools and guides. Try it for free or buy it with flexible licensing options.

  8. Research Guides: Qualitative Data Analysis: Taguette

    A spin on the phrase "tag it!", Taguette is a free and open source qualitative research tool (which works on all operating systems!). With Taguette, users can import PDFs, Word Docs (.docx), Text files (.txt), HTML, EPUB, MOBI, Open Documents (.odt), and Rich Text Files (.rtf). After uploading documents, users can highlight words, sentences, or ...

  9. QualCoder

    QualCoder. QualCoder is free, open source software for qualitative data analysis. It has many of the features of commercial QDA software packages such as auto-coding, coding images and A/V materials, SQL database querying, and many reporting and visualization options. QualCoder works on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

  10. Qualitative Data Analysis Program

    QDAP offers free, open source, web-based software for qualitative research and text analytics, including the Coding Analysis Toolkit (CAT), DiscoverText, and ATLAS.ti. Learn how to use humans and machines to code, monitor, and measure social media data with QDAP's approach and services.

  11. The Best Qualitative Data Analysis Software

    MAXQDA is a user-friendly and powerful software for managing and analyzing your qualitative research. It offers a wide range of tools for coding, visualizing, and performing mixed-methods, or quantitative content analysis on text, audio, and video data. You can import, organize, and search your data with ease, and share your insights with your team.

  12. NVivo

    NVivo 14 is a leading software for qualitative and mixed methods research with AI-powered autocoding, visualization, and collaboration features. It is not free, but you can buy it with a bundle of transcription, online course, and other add-ons.

  13. Research Guides: Qualitative Data Analysis: Free QDA tools

    Free/Libre Open Source Software for QDA. While NYU Data Services provides access to proprietary computer assisted QDA software, free tools are an excellent option for researchers who want to prevent getting stuck in a paid platform, who might have budgetary constraints, or simply want to have access to high quality free software. There are a ...

  14. Qualitative Data Analysis Software (nVivo, Atlas.TI, and more)

    Qualitative research has benefited from a range of software tools facilitating most qualitative methodological techniques, particularly those involving multimedia digital data. ... Lists of flagship software, free software, and tools for converting codebooks among QDA software. QDA Software Comparison Chart (NYU Libraries)

  15. 10 Best Qualitative Data Analysis Tools and Software

    Learn about the top tools for qualitative data analysis, from AI-powered platforms to user research software. Compare features, prices, and benefits of each tool and find the best fit for your needs.

  16. QDA Software

    The book is valuable for everyone interested in qualitative research, emphasizing Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS). Handling Qualitative Data by Lyn Richards. Call Number: H62 .R473 2021 (SSHEL Stacks) ISBN: 9781526490780. Publication Date: 2021-03-09.

  17. Free Tools for QDA

    Describe how Taguette and spreadsheet software can be used in your own research project; List other free tools for qualitative data analysis and assess their use for your own work, including QualCoder and R. Free QDA Software Comparison License Devices/access Data capabilities

  18. FREE QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

    QDA Miner Lite is a free and easy-to-use version of QDA Miner, a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software. It can be used for the analysis of textual and image data, such as interview transcripts, news, and images. It offers basic CAQDAS features such as importation, coding, coding frequency, and exportation of data.

  19. Quirkos

    Quirkos is a simple and affordable software for qualitative research, with cloud collaboration, transcription, and data visualisation features. Download a free trial and explore the flexible and cross-compatible tools for organising, coding, and exporting your qualitative data.

  20. Weft QDA

    Weft QDA is a software for analysing textual data such as interview transcripts, fieldnotes and other documents. It is no longer being maintained or updated, and has some bugs and limitations, so it is not suitable for major projects.

  21. CAQDAS Software

    MAXQDA is a user-friendly and powerful CAQDAS software that supports text, audio, and video data. It offers a free trial for Windows and Mac, and various tools for coding, visualizing, and analyzing qualitative data.

  22. QualAI

    QualAI is a software that uses advanced AI technology to help researchers, organizations, and students analyze qualitative data. It offers solutions for data codification, thematic analysis, content summaries, and more.

  23. Research Guides: Qualitative Data Analysis and QDA Tools: Home

    Qualitative research takes many forms but often involves the collection, processing, and analysis of unstructured data, such as interviews, article text, online content, open-ended survey questions, recordings, focus group observations, etc. Qualitative data analysis (QDA) can be supported by specialized tools and software that help manage ...

  24. Top 7 Focus Group Software for Comprehensive Research

    QuestionPro Community is an online focus group software and research community platform designed to help businesses understand their customers' needs and expectations. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for conducting online qualitative research and gathering real-time insights from a community of participants. How it works: