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NVivo is software for Qualitative Research from Lumivero (encompassing QSR International). Many people like that it is flexible and provides organization for the entire project. The learning curve is small to do basic tasks, but there are many advanced features that can take longer to get accustomed to.
NVivo 14 (March, 2023) was released for Windows and Mac. As previously, the Mac version has fewer features. Lumivero has improved the Collaboration Cloud to share projects across operating systems, and added integrations for their reference manager software Citavi.
NVivo 1.0 (March, 2020) was released for Windows and Mac. As previously, the Mac version has fewer features. QSR also released Collaboration Cloud for sharing projects (within OS only). The Plus and Pro versions from v12 have been combined.
NVivo 12 (March, 2018) for Windows has 2 versions. Pro has the basic features researchers need. Plus has additional automation and social networking capabilities. NVivo for Mac OS is also available, with somewhat fewer features than the Windows Pro version. The Starter Edition from v11 has been discontinued.
See this page in two guides:
NVivo comes with one (or more) sample projects to open and explore. QSR video and text tutorials use the "Multi-Method" or "Environmental Change Down East" project, so you can follow along.
These videos are for versions 13 (aka 1.0 or 1.5), or 14. For videos on v12, see below.
| Windows | Mac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Link | Windows Playlist | Mac Playlist | |
| Getting Started |
Tour of the Interface The Design Framework Importing files |
#1, #2, #3 | #1, #2, #3 |
| Cases |
Creating Cases from 1 to 1 Interviews Creating Cases from Multiperson Interviews Creating Cases and Classifications in Datasets |
#10 & #11 | #10, #11, #15 |
| Coding |
Coding Text Principles of coding Identify Themes |
#19, #22, #30 | #20 |
| Managing Codes |
Using Coding Stripes Using the Highlighting Tool Managing Codes: Merge, Rename, Move, Reorganize |
#23, #24, #28 | #25, #26, #24 |
| Note-taking |
Using Memos Using Annotations |
#25, #26 | #27, #28 |
| Visualization | Explore | Explore |
These are wonderful materials and should be the first stop.
If you don't see the sections on the left, use the sandwich in the upper right to navigate.
Start with the Getting Started Tutorial or the section Using NVivo.
v14 Windows | v14 Mac | v1.x Windows | v1.x Mac | v12 Windows | v12 Mac
Qualitative Data Analysis with Nvivo by
Lecturers/instructors only - request a free digital inspection copy here This straightforward, jargon-free book provides an invaluable introduction to planning and conducting qualitative data analysis with NVivo. Written by leading authorities, with over 40 years combined experience in computer-assisted analysis of qualitative and mixed-mode data, the new edition of this best selling textbook is an ideal mix of practical instruction, methodology and real world examples. Practical, clear and focused the book effectively shows how NVivo software can accommodate and assist analysis across a wide range of research questions, data types, perspectives and methodologies. It sets out: The power and flexibility of the NVivo software How best to use NVivo at each stage in your research project Examples from the authors' own research and the sample data that accompanies the software, supplemented with vignettes drawn from across the social sciences Annotated screen shots A website with links to data, sample projects, supplementary/updated instructions, and SAGE journal content This second edition contains new chapters on handling a literature review, visualizing data, working in mixed methods and social media datasets, and approaching NVivo as a team. An insightful step-by-step guide to the messy reality of doing computer-assisted analysis, this successful book is essential reading for anyone considering using NVivo software.
See also the Companion Website with an additional sample project and a map of all query options.
Using Software in Qualitative Research by
Using Software in Qualitative Research is an essential introduction to the practice and principles of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS). The book will help you to choose the most appropriate package for your needs and get the most out of the software once you are using it. This book considers a wide range of tasks and processes in the data management and analysis process, and shows how software can help you at each stage. In the new edition, the authors present three case studies with different forms of data (text, video and mixed data) and show how each step in the analysis process for each project could be supported by software. The new edition is accompanied by an extensive companion website with step-by-step instructions produced by the software developers themselves. Software programmes covered in second edition include the latest versions of: ATLAS.ti DEDOOSE HyperRESEARCH MAXQDA NVivo QDA Miner TRANSANA Ann Lewins and Christina Silver are leading experts in the field of CAQDAS and have trained thousands of students and researchers in using software. Reading this book is like having Ann and Christina at your shoulder as you analyse your data!
Because this book is not specific to any software, it is thus useful regardless of the version you use, and remains so even as the softwares change. For example, NVivo has been releasing a new version about every 2 years.