What is QualCoder
QualCoder is free, open source desktop software for qualitative data analysis.
QualCoder can code text, images, audio and video, write journal notes and memos. You can organise codes in a tree-like categorisation scheme. Various reports can be generated. Most reports can be exported as html, open document text (ODT), plain text or Excel files.
QualCoder includes a set of AI-assisted features that utilise Large Language Models to help explore, analyse, and interact with data in innovative ways. Familiarise yourself with new data by exploring broad topics or concepts in an interactive chat with the AI. Dive deeper into specific aspects with AI-assisted coding and text analysis. And if you reach the point where you must synthesise and consolidate your results, discuss them in a code chat with the AI.
QualCoder is designed to be used as client-based software to be used by one person at a time. A second coder can use the same project on the same computer, or the project folder can be transferred to the second coder's computer. QualCoder is not designed to be multi-accessed at the same instance in time.
The most current QualCoder software is available from https://github.com/ccbogel/QualCoder. Software releases are available from: https://github.com/ccbogel/QualCoder/releases These contain source code and executables. The executables are an easy way to run QualCoder, double click to run, just be aware that it can take up to 20 seconds to open. The minimum recommended screen size is 1024 x 600 pixels.
Why use QualCoder?
Qualcoder is free of charge. Many qualitative analysis software requiring expensive one-time fees or monthly subscriptions.
QualCoder is easy to use. It has all you need to perform qualitative analysis without the complicated interfaces of some alternatives.
QualCoder works offline. Internet is not always available and QualCoder does not require internet to work.
QualCoder is not tied to a computer. If you change workplace you do not have to worry about being tied to your former workplace's license or to buy a new license. QualCoder license allows you to use the software regardless of where you work or on what computer it is installed on.
QualCoder is multi-platform. It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS, this means that you do not have to worry if you change operating systems, and it also means you can collaborate with colleagues on different platforms. See Note.
QualCoder relies on the community. If you find an error or have a feature request or feedback, write about it on QualCoder's page on github https://github.com/ccbogel/QualCoder.
QualCoder is always improving. QualCoder is actively developed meaning that newer, improved versions are being released.
QualCoder supports open standards. QualCoder aims to support the REFI-QDA Standard, see https://www.qdasoftware.org/ You may exchange codebooks and projects with your colleagues even if they do not use QualCoder, as long as the software they use supports the REFI-QDA Standard. It means that you do not risk your data being unavailable. REFI-QDA Project is not guaranteed 100% compliant yet. Further testing particularly for audio and video exports and imports and relatively-linked files is needed.
QualCoder can be modified. You can modify and adapt QualCoder to your needs, as long as you release your changes for everyone. This also means you can copy the software and give it to your colleagues or students free of charge.
Note: There is an ongoing problem with audio/video coding on Linux Fedora -- the software crashes.
Leave a review
If you like QualCoder and found it useful for your work. Please leave a review on these sites:
https://www.saashub.com/qualcoder-alternatives
https://alternativeto.net/software/qualcoder
Many studies have been completed with QualCoder https://qualcoder.wordpress.com/studies-using-qualcoder/
If you like QualCoder a lot, or have developed a novel use for it, please write an article about QualCoder.
Current binary releases
Testing QualCoder
It has taken many, many hours of work to create this software that is provided free to use. If you appreciate QualCoder please: Buy me a coffee QualCoder is written in python 3 using Qt6 for the graphical interface. QualCoder has been used on Windows 11, macOS and various recent Linux distros: Ubuntu, Lubuntu, ZorinOS, Fedora. Testing is performed on Windows 11.