Where should I save the project file?

To ensure that all data is always saved automatically, it is important that MAXQDA is not opened from an external drive or a cloud-synchronized folder, but always from the local drive.

Since MAXQDA is a database program, all changes are always saved immediately. Therefore, it is crucial that the computer's connection to the project file is not interrupted; otherwise, there can be issues with the project file in rare cases.

The 'Documents' folder is the default storage location for your MAXQDA project file. Since the 'Documents' and 'Desktop' folders on both Windows and Mac are typically synchronized with OneDrive or iCloud, we recommend the following:

Mac

You can save a file on your Mac outside of iCloud synchronization by creating a folder in your Home directory. Any folder you create there will not be synchronized with iCloud. For larger files, you should consider moving them to your Private folder, which is accessible under /Users/username.
Or you could rename the MAXQDA folder to "MAXQDA.nosync" then iCloud will skip the MAXQDA folder where the project file is saved. 

Windows

Create a folder for MAXQDA files directly on C:\ or, as with TeamCloud, under C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\MAXQDA24

Alternatively, you can exclude the MAXQDA24 folder from synchronization in OneDrive.

How can I tell if my MAXQDA file is in a synchronized folder?

Mac

You should be able to tell by where the folder is located in your Finder. If it is under iCloud, the folders are currently being synchronized.

Windows

When you open the Windows File Explorer, navigate to your MAXQDA project, and then click in the address bar, the complete path will be displayed. If the path includes the name OneDrive, it is not safe to store your project file there.

Since your project file is stored exclusively on your local device, it is important to manually back up your file on another storage medium.

How can I be sure that I will not lose my work?