Import (or export) classification sheets
You can import classification sheet data from text files or spreadsheets.
In NVivo Starter you can import and export case classification sheets. If you have NVivo Pro or NVivo Plus, you can import and export case and source classification sheets.
What do you want to do?
- Understand when to import classification sheets
- Prepare to import the data
- Import classification sheet data
- Export a classification sheet to a text file or spreadsheet
Understand when to import classification sheets
If you have gathered information about your case nodes outside of NVivo—and the information is in a structured text file or a spreadsheet—you can import it into NVivo by importing a classification sheet. For example, if you have cases representing people, and you have recorded demographic information about these people in a spreadsheet, then you can import this classification data.
Likewise, if you have gathered information about your sources outside of NVivo—and the information is in a structured text file or a spreadsheet—you can import it into NVivo as a classification sheet. For example, if you conducted a series of video interviews and have recorded the interview location, interview date and interviewee name for each interview in a spreadsheet, you can import the videos into NVivo, and then import the classification data. (NVivo Pro and Plus only)
However, if the classifying data has come from another NVivo project, then it is better to import the data directly from the NVivo Project, so that classification and attribute properties can be transferred. These properties (for example, attribute descriptions and attribute value colors) cannot be transferred via a text file or spreadsheet. (NVivo Pro and Plus only)
Similarly, if you have defined a range of values for an attribute (for example, a range of occupations), and you want to transfer all possible values (occupations) to your new project, then you should import the classifications directly from your existing project. When you import a classification sheet, only attribute values present in the file will be imported. Refer to Import items from another NVivo project for more information about importing the content or structure of other NVivo projects. (NVivo Pro and Plus only)
Prepare to import the data
If your data is in a tab-separated text file, you can import the data into a new classification, or you can map the data to an existing classification. The text file must contain tab-separated values in the following format:
| Attribute 1 | Attribute 2 | Attribute 3 | |
| Item name 1 | Value | Value | Value |
| Item name 2 | Value | Value | Value |
| Item name 3 | Value | Value | Value |
If your classifying data is in a spreadsheet, the name of the classification must be in the first cell of the worksheet. A spreadsheet can contain multiple classification sheets—each classification sheet must be on a separate worksheet.
| Classification name | Attribute 1 | Attribute 2 | Attribute 3 |
| Item name 1 | Value | Value | Value |
| Item name 2 | Value | Value | Value |
| Item name 3 | Value | Value | Value |
In both text and spreadsheet files, the item names (case or source names) in the first column must be formatted the same way in all rows. All names must be:
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The case or source name only (you supply the location on the Import Classification Sheet Wizard)
OR
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The full hierarchical name—refer to Hierarchical source and node names for more information
OR
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The node nickname (for cases only).
Import classification sheet data
You can import files containing NVivo classification sheet data that was created outside NVivo—for example, data that was gathered in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
You can also import classification sheets that were exported from an NVivo 9 or 10 project, or 'casebook' files that were exported from an NVivo 7 or 8 project. However, if the classifying data is coming from another NVivo 11 project, it may be better to import it directly from the other project—refer to Understand when to import classification sheets for more information.
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On the Data tab, in the Import group, select Classification Sheets.
The Import Classification Sheets Wizard opens.
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Follow the instructions in the wizard to import the classification sheet. Refer to Using the Import Classification Sheet Wizard for more information.
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When you are done with the wizard, click Finish.
NOTE
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If you are importing data for a source classification, NVivo tries to find each source in the location you have specified. If NVivo cannot find a source, an external is created to represent the source and the classification data is applied to the newly created external. (NVivo Pro and Plus only)
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If you are importing bibliographical data and want to be able to export it later to a bibliographical tool such as EndNote or Zotero, you must ensure the data is stored using NVivo's predefined bibliographical classifications. Make sure the appropriate bibliographical classifications have been added to your project before you import the data. You can identify bibliographical classifications by the bibliographical ID displayed on the classification's properties. (NVivo Pro and Plus only)
Export a classification sheet to a text file or spreadsheet
If you want to share your classifications with someone who does not have NVivo, you can export the data to a text file or spreadsheet.
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Select the classification you want to export.
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On the Data tab, in the Export group, click Classification Sheets.
The Export Classification Sheets dialog box opens.
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Select your export options—refer to Export Classification Sheet for more information.
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Click OK.
The attribute values for the sources or cases in the classification are exported.
NOTE
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If you select multiple classifications, you must export the data to a spreadsheet—each classification is stored in a separate worksheet within the spreadsheet.
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Only visible rows and columns are exported—values in hidden rows and columns are not included in the exported data.