Manual Backup

It is strongly recommended to make regular backup copies of your project and save them on an external device in case of computer damage or failure. Backup copies should be saved in a different location than your computer in case of theft, water damage, etc.

You can transfer your MAXQDA data onto an external device with the help of Windows Explorer or Mac Finder. Alternatively, you can open the project in MAXQDA and select Project > Duplicate project. Then select the destination location and file name and click OK.

Automatic Backup

MAXQDA allows you to save projects automatically. Open a project that has a set time limit (default 14 days) and is not automatically saved by MAXQDA. A message will appear asking if you would like to save the project now. When you accept, MAXQDA will save a copy in a selected directory. MAXQDA automatically provides the backup file with a date and time stamp.

Both the time interval, meaning how often the project will be saved, and the directory for the backup files, can be set in Project > Preferences (Windows) or MAXQDA 12 > Preferences (Mac). There, you can also disable the function entirely.