To use this feature, you need the TeamCloud add-on.
Where TeamCloud projects are stored locally
TeamCloud projects are shared via the cloud, but all analysis work happens locally on each person's computer. MAXQDA stores local copies of TeamCloud projects in a dedicated folder called the TeamCloud workspace.
The default location is:
- Windows: %appdata%\MAXQDA\TeamCloudWorkspace
- Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MAXQDA/TeamCloudWorkspace
Changing the workspace location
You can move the TeamCloud workspace to a different local folder:
- In MAXQDA, go to the TeamCloud tab.
- Select Account > Preferences.
- In the Folder for TeamCloud projects field, select a new local folder.
After you confirm, MAXQDA moves all existing TeamCloud projects to the new location.
Always use a local folder for the TeamCloud workspace. Never use any of the following locations:
- USB drives
- Network drives
- External hard drives
- Folders synchronized by cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud
MAXQDA writes changes directly and continuously to the project file. If the connection between MAXQDA and the project file is interrupted (as can happen with sync services), the project file can become corrupted.
Best practice for smooth teamwork
Before the first cycle
- Establish shared working rules: who works on which documents or codes, how uncertain codings should be flagged, which memo symbols mean what, and what color newly added codes should receive.
- Divide documents and/or codes among team members to minimize conflicts when the team lead imports everyone's work.
- Use meaningful names for free memos, QTT worksheets, summary tables, and MAXMaps concept maps. Generic names increase the risk of naming conflicts during import.
Between cycles
- Team members: After uploading your work, wait until the team lead starts a new cycle before continuing to work on the project.
- Team lead: Before starting a new cycle, confirm that all team members have uploaded their work and that everything has been imported into the main project.
Stay on one computer per cycle
- Work on a TeamCloud project from one computer only during a cycle. Switching mid-cycle risks data loss.
- Team members switching computers: Ask the team lead to start a new cycle first, then download the new cycle on the new computer.
- Team lead switching computers: Start the new cycle on the old computer, then go directly to the new computer without making any further changes to the TeamCloud project on the old one.
