Create codes manually

Before you start coding you can set up a code structure in List View—this is useful when you already know what themes you want to explore.

You can also create codes 'on the run' as you work through your files in Detail View.

NVivo also provides queries and autocoding techniques that help you to create codes based on the content in your files. Create codes automatically

Create a code in the List View (without coding)

  1. Do one of the following:
    • Select where you want to create the code and then, on the Create tab, click Code.
    • To create a new root level code: on the Create tab, click Code and hold down the mouse button, and then click New Top Level Code.
  2. Enter a name for the new code.
  3. (Optional) Enter a description of the code. This can help ensure consistent coding (particularly useful if you work in a team).
  4. (Optional) Select the Aggregate coding from child codes check box if this is a parent code and you want it to include all the references contained in any child codes. Refer to Aggregate codes for more information.

Create a code while coding

  1. In the Detail View, select the content you want to code.
  2. On the Home tab, in the Code menu Code Selection section, click To New Code.
    The Code Properties dialog box opens.
  3. Enter a name for the code.
  4. (Optional) Enter a description for the code. This can help ensure consistent coding (particularly useful if you work in a team).
  5. (Optional) To change the folder or hierarchical location of the new code, click the disclosure triangle next to the Location field, and then choose a new location.

Create a code using the coding panel

Use the coding panel to quickly create codes while you code.

  1. In Detail View, select the content that you want to code.
  2. Click Code at the top of Detail View. Keyboard Shortcut Press ⌘ + /.
  3. In the search box type the name of the code or case you want to create, then under Code to New, click the relevant code or case.

NOTE

  • To indicate that coding is successful, a confirmation message is briefly displayed in Navigation View.
  • You can use keyboard shortcuts in the coding panel—for example, use the arrow keys to navigate, press ENTER to confirm a selection.
  • The code is created at the top level in the Coding folder. If you want, you can move the code to a different location in the code hierarchy. Organize codes and cases
  • You can add a description or edit the code name in the Code Properties—select the code in List View, then on the Home tab, in the Item group, click Get Info.

Create an 'In Vivo' code from selected text

When you create codes 'In Vivo', the text you select to code becomes the name of the code.

  1. In the Detail View, select the text you want to code—this will be the code name.
  2. On the Home tab, click Code In Vivo.

The new code is added to the top level of the Codes folder.

NOTE  You can edit the code name in the Code Properties—select the code in the List View then on the Home tab, click Item, then Get Info.