Downloading and Installing MAXQDA (Mac) – GCU Technical Support

MAXQDA Code Renewal

If you are a Doctoral Student that needs to renew your MAXQDA program, you can go to the MAXQDA software page of the DC Network to access the newest activation code and renewal instructions!

MAXQDA is qualitative data analysis software available to doctoral students. This software allows you to transcribe audio and video files, import and analyze Twitter data, analyze focus groups, visualize results, conduct text analysis, generate reports, and create statistical frequency tables. This article provides download and installation steps for Mac computers. If you are on a PC, see Downloading and Installing MAXQDA (PC).

NOTE On September 1st, 2020, MAXQDA 2020 became available for download. Students who had previously downloaded the 2018 version will need to uninstall the old version, and then install and license the new software. The 2018 license code will expire on October 1st.

Click here to start the download: Mac Download

The MAXQDA2020.dmg file will begin to download in your browser. This process can take 10 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Once the download process is complete, click the downloaded file and a new screen will appear. You will be prompted to click and drag the MAXQDA file into Applications to start the installation process. This can be done using the shortcut inside of this box.

Double click the MAXQDA2020 icon from your application folder.

You will then see a message asking if you are sure you want to open this application. To continue the installation, click Open.

Next, read the License Agreement Terms and Conditions and click Accept.

You will also be prompted to read through the Privacy Policy. After reading the Privacy Policy, click Accept.

A new screen will appear with options of how to proceed. Click the option to Activate MAXQDA 2020.

You will be prompted to activate your MAXQDA program. In the screen that appears, enter the serial number (this can be located by clicking this link to the DC Network and logging in), your first and last name, and your GCU email. After entering this information, click Activate Now.

NOTE The licensing code can also be found by logging into the DC Network, selecting Software, and then selecting Qualitative Software (MaxQDA).

Wait for the program to finish activating. This process may take a few minutes to complete. A screen will appear to notify you once the activation is complete.

You can now start using MAXQDA! For help using this program, check out Getting Started with MAXQDA.

Update Instructions

Open MAXQDA and click New Project. Choose a location to save your file.
A box will appear offering a new version of MAXQDA. Click Download update.
You may automatically be prompted to update your software, but you may also manually search for updates by clicking the question mark in the upper right corner. Then select Search for Updates from the menu that appears.
The download process will begin. Once it has completed, click Install and Relaunch. The program will then re-open and you can begin using it.