Qualitative codebook template
One row per code: its name, a definition, when to use it and when not to, and an example quote from your data. Take the document for a report, or the spreadsheet for sorting and filtering.
The file is made right here, in your browser. Nothing is uploaded and you don't need an account.
How to use it
- Check the template in the preview below.
- Download a DOCX document or an XLSX spreadsheet, or copy it as Markdown.
- Replace the example row with your first code and add a row for each new code as you go.
Preview
Codebook
Project: …
Version and date: …
Coders: …
Data coded: …
Codes
| Code | Definition | When to use | When not to use | Example quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRICE_BARRIER (example) | The participant says the price stops them from buying or using something. | Price, fees or budget given as a reason not to act. | Price mentioned as good value, or without a decision attached — use VALUE. | “I'd love to, but it's just too expensive for us right now.” (Interview 3, 00:14:20) |
Themes
| Theme | Codes in this theme | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Barriers | PRICE_BARRIER (example) | |
Change log
| Date | Change | Who |
|---|---|---|
Coding interviews?
SonaFact exports transcripts for NVivo, MAXQDA and ATLAS.ti, with speakers and timestamps laid out the way each program's documentation describes — on every plan, the free one too: 3 transcripts a day, up to 30 minutes each, no card.
Start freeQuestions
- What is a codebook in qualitative research?
- A list of the codes you use to tag passages in your data, each with a definition and rules for when it applies. It keeps coding consistent over time and between coders, and it is the record of how you got from transcripts to themes.
- What columns should a codebook have?
- At least the code, a definition, when to use it, when not to use it and an example quote. The spreadsheet also has the theme each code belongs to, where the example comes from, and notes. Keep a change log too, so you can see when a definition changed.
- Spreadsheet or document — which should I use?
- The spreadsheet is easier to sort, filter and share while you code, and its header row stays in view as you scroll. The document suits an appendix to a thesis or a report. Both have the same codes, definitions and examples.
Related tools
- Podcast show notes templateFree podcast show notes template: episode summary, time-stamped chapters, guest bio, key takeaways, quotes, links and credits. Download a DOCX file or copy it as Markdown.
- Transcription style guideVerbatim or clean verbatim? A free transcription style guide with side-by-side examples, the tags both styles use, and space for your project's own rules. DOCX or Markdown.
- Meeting minutes templateThree meeting minutes templates: short notes, standard minutes and formal board minutes. Preview them, download a DOCX file or copy the text. Free, no sign-up.
- Interview transcript templateFree interview transcript template with the interview details, speaker labels, timestamps and transcription conventions. Download a DOCX file or copy it as Markdown.