Downloading and Installing MAXQDA (Mac) – GCU Technical Support

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.

These instructions are relative to Mac computers.

NOTE Click here if you require instructions for downloading/installing MAXQDA on a Windows (PC) computer.

Click here to start the download: Mac Download

The MAXQDA2018_Setup.msi file will begin to download in your browser. This process typically takes about 5 minutes, but can take longer depending on your internet speed.

Once the download process is complete, click the downloaded file and a new screen will appear. Read the License Agreement Terms and Conditions, and click Accept.

You may be prompted to enter your Mac administrator username and password. After entering the username and password, click OK.

You will then see a message asking if you are sure you want to open this application. You can choose whether or not to click the checkbox, which will prevent this type of message from appearing in the future. Then click Open.

Next, 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.

NOTE If the installation process does not start automatically, double click the MAXQDA2018 icon from inside of your applications folder.

A new screen will appear with options of how to proceed. Click the option to Activate MAXQDA 2018.

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 Research/Dissertation, and then selecting MaxQDA Qualitative Analysis Software (new) from underneath Research Resources.

In the activation screen that appears next, read the agreement and place a check in the I Agree box. Then click OK.

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.