Moving from NVivo to MAXQDA

To move between qualitative data analysis tools, you must put your project file into REFI-QDA standard.

Note that not everything is retained when exporting an NVivo project to this format. For example, PDF text coding is not exported. Consult NVivo’s help pages for more details of what is retained and what is lost.

To move an existing project from NVivo to MAXQDA:

  1. Export your project to QDPX format:

    1. NVivo for Windows instructions
    2. NVivo for Mac instructions
  2. Import your QDPX file into MAXQDA:

    1. Follow the import instructions (this page also outlines what is retained and lost when moving into MAXQDA)

For assistance, or to troubleshoot any issues, contact us.

Technique: Qualitative Data Analysis | Tools: NVivo, MAXQDA


First created: August 08, 2025
Last updated: May 11, 2026

Tutorial maintained by Kelly Schultz.

Tutorial created by Kelly Schultz.

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