How to download and install MAXQDA
To install MAXQDA (version 26.0 or higher), download the software for your operating system (macOS or Windows). You can download the installer from the Download page. For detailed installation instructions, see How to Install MAXQDA.
Project file format
MAXQDA project files have the extension .mqda.
If you open a project created with MAXQDA 24.0 or earlier, MAXQDA automatically converts it to the .mqda format when you open it.
MAXQDA automatically converts projects created with the following earlier versions:
- MAXQDA 24 (.mx24)
- MAXQDA 2022 (.mx22)
- MAXQDA 2020 (.mx20)
- MAXQDA 2018 (.mx18)
- MAXQDA 12 (.mx12)
When you open a project from one of these versions, MAXQDA reads the data from the original project file and saves it as a new .mqda project in the same folder. The original project file remains unchanged, so you always keep a backup in the earlier format if needed.
If you open an .mqda project in MAXQDA 24, the project is automatically converted back to the .mx24 format.
After you successfully open and convert a project from MAXQDA 24, that project is removed from your "Recently opened projects" list and replaced with the converted .mqda version. This ensures that you always open the current version of your project.
External files
Windows
If you are using Windows and your earlier project contains external files (such as videos, audio files, or images), MAXQDA checks whether the project references any external files stored in the external files folder of the earlier installation. During conversion, MAXQDA automatically copies only the external files used in the project to the new external files folder. A progress bar appears while the files are being transferred.
macOS
On macOS, external files remain in their existing location, so no transfer is necessary during project conversion.
How MAXQDA handles the upgrade
When you start MAXQDA 26.0 or higher for the first time after upgrading from MAXQDA 24.0 or earlier, MAXQDA automatically transfers your settings and license information. You do not need to reconfigure anything or re-activate your license.
What gets transferred automatically
MAXQDA transfers the following from your earlier installation:
- Program settings – Preferences, display options, and settings are preserved. Settings that use default MAXQDA folder paths are updated to point to new folder locations. Custom paths remain unchanged.
- Window settings – Customized window layouts and sizes are maintained.
- License information – All license types (single-user, subscription, or network) are automatically detected. No manual activation is required.
- Project history – Your list of recently used projects appears on the welcome screen.
If you manage a network license server, update the NetLic service to version 1.9 or higher before users upgrade to MAXQDA 26.0 or higher. Users with "00" serial numbers can connect without updating the NetLic service, but an online license check is required.
If a user tries to connect to an outdated NetLic service, MAXQDA displays an error message indicating the service needs to be updated.
Network administrators can download NetLic 1.9 from the MAXQDA download area.
How to open projects from earlier versions
Recently used MAXQDA 24 projects appear in the "Recently opened projects" panel on the start screen. Click a project to open it; MAXQDA converts it automatically if needed.
If the project does not appear in the list, click Open and navigate to the folder where the project file is stored. Select the file and click Open.
When the project has been converted, a message box confirms the successful conversion:
