How to use and organize sub-codes in ATLAS.ti

Who this article is for

This article is for ATLAS.ti Windows, Mac, and Web users who want to organize codes into clearer thematic structures using categories and sub-codes.

Understand codes, categories, and sub-codes

ATLAS.ti supports several ways to organize codes:

• independent codes
• category codes with sub-codes
• code groups
• code folders

This article focuses on category codes and sub-codes.

A category code acts as a parent theme, while sub-codes represent more specific dimensions of that theme.

For example:

• Footprint  
  • Ecological footprint
  • Economic footprint
  • Environmental footprint

Sub-codes help structure larger code systems and make analysis easier to navigate.

Unlike folders, sub-codes are analytical relationships rather than simple containers.

Create sub-codes in ATLAS.ti Windows and Mac

Create a category by drag and drop

One of the fastest methods is drag and drop inside the Code Manager.

1. Open the Code Manager
2. Create a new empty code that will become the category
3. Select one or more existing codes
4. Drag them onto the empty code
5. Select: "Move code ... under ..."

The selected codes become sub-codes.

Important: the future category code must not contain quotations. Only empty codes can become category codes.

You can also move sub-codes from one category to another using the same drag-and-drop method.

Create a category from selected codes

Another quick method:

1. Select several codes
2. Right-click
3. Select:
   • New category code from selection

Enter the new category name. The selected codes will automatically become sub-codes.

Split a broad code into sub-codes

If a code becomes too broad, you can split it into more detailed sub-codes.

In Windows and Mac:

1. Right-click a code
2. Select:
   • Split into Subcodes

You can then create new sub-code names and assign quotations to the new sub-codes. Keep unmatched quotations under “Undecided”

You can also enable these options:

Copy Comments: Select if you want all sub codes to have the same comment as the code you split.

Copy links: Select if you want all sub codes to inherit existing links to other codes or memos.

Mutually exclusive: If activated, you can assign a quotation to only one sub code. This is a requirement for some content analysis approaches and for calculating inter-coder agreement

Do not confuse:

• Split → creates independent codes
• Split into Subcodes → creates a category with sub-codes

Remove sub-codes from a category

Sub-codes can be converted back into independent codes.

Windows

Drag the sub-code toward the left edge of the Code Manager until a vertical blue highlight appears, then release it.

The code becomes an independent code again.

Mac

Drag the sub-code upward into the main code list and place it between the regular codes. As you move it between codes, you will see a blue highlight line appear in the space between them. Release the mouse button there to drop the sub-code back into the root level, where it becomes an independent regular code again.

On both Mac and Windows, you can also drag sub-codes directly onto “Codes” in the Project Explorer to move them back to the root level.

Organize codes with folders

Folders are another way to organize large code systems. Folders can be contained in other folders. There might be projects that require a fourth level of organization

To create a folder in ATLAS.ti Windows and Mac, open the Code Manager and click New > Folder.

You can also select one or more codes, right-click them, and select New Folder from Selection.

Work with sub-codes in ATLAS.ti Web

In ATLAS.ti Web:

1. Open the Code Manager
2. Create an empty code for the category
3. Drag one or more codes onto it
4. Select:
   • Make subcode of...

You can also:

1. Select multiple codes
2. Click the three-dot menu
3. Select Move codes
4. Choose a category code

To remove sub-codes from a category:

• drag them onto the blue “Move to root” area

• or use Move codes > Root level (no parent code)

Common issues

• I cannot create a category code
  • The parent code already contains quotations. Remove the quotations or create a new empty code first.
• My code hierarchy became difficult to manage
  • Too many hierarchy levels can make coding confusing. Most projects work best with only a few levels of organization.
• I accidentally moved a sub-code
  • You can drag it back to another category or to the root level at any time.

When to contact support

Contact support if:

• drag and drop does not work
• categories cannot be expanded
• sub-codes disappear unexpectedly
• code hierarchies become corrupted after importing or merging projects