Beta testing guidance

Last updated: 5 October 2026

QualBuddy for Mac and Windows is in beta. Beta software can contain bugs, lose data or behave unexpectedly, so please read this guidance before you rely on it.

Before you start

Start with the 14-day trial: it needs no payment card and never charges automatically. Choose the Mac or Windows installer and check its requirements on the download page.

Use demo or non-sensitive data first

We ask beta testers to start with demo data or non-sensitive research materials. Only move to real research data once you are comfortable with the app and have confirmed it fits your ethics approval, data management plan and local governance requirements.

Keep your own backups

QualBuddy includes project backup controls, but during the beta you should keep independent copies of any material you cannot afford to lose.

Project backups can contain identifiable research material. The pseudonym map is kept separately and is not included in a project backup. Check that your backup arrangements cover what you need, and test restoring a sample project before relying on them.

Check the workspace fits your method

The current build has workspaces for IPA, reflexive thematic analysis, the Framework Method and general coding. Content analysis, grounded theory and narrative analysis are earlier workspaces with more limited tools. They should be explored with sample material before you decide whether they fit your study.

QualBuddy supports your interpretation; it does not carry out or validate a qualitative analysis for you. Check transcripts against the recording, review speaker assignments, and read every export before using or sharing it.

No warranty or endorsement

QualBuddy is provided as-is during the beta, without warranty of any kind. QualBuddy is an independent tool: it is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, any university, the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.

Pseudonymisation is not anonymisation

Pseudonymisation support does not guarantee full anonymisation. Researchers remain responsible for checking outputs and meeting their own ethics, governance and data protection requirements.

Feedback

Bug reports and suggestions are very welcome at hello@qualbuddy.com. Include the app version, what you were trying to do and what happened. Please do not send audio, transcripts or participant information; a description or a demonstration using fictional material is enough to start.

The email link opens a draft for you to review and send. See data and privacy for how correspondence and local research data are handled.