One of the main functions of MAXQDA is the “coding” of document segments, that is, the assignment of a code to particular document segments, e.g. enabling a systematic content analysis of a text.

The codes themselves are simply text strings containing up to 63 characters, which are attached to segments of a document (text or picture sections). Codes are like drawers containing index cards with text and image sections and keywords. The name of the code is like the label attached to the front of a drawer. What you will find in the drawer is indicated here. The label itself has no effect on the contents, so you can attach another label without consequences. Codes can be ordered into a hierarchical structure, a main code having several subcodes, for example. As you add codes, they can be organized in this window. By right-clicking on either of the icons in the “Code System” window, you will see a variety of functions that are possible there.