> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.metaforms.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.metaforms.ai/open-end-cleaning-and-coding/introduction-to-oe-coding/step-4-configure-coding.md).

# Step 4: Configure Coding

#### **Code frame structure:**

* **Flat** (default) — Single-level codes (1, 2, 3, ...)
* **Hierarchical** — Nested codes with sub-codes (1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, ...)
  * If selected: choose max depth (2-5 levels) and sub-code format (numeric "1.1" or alphanumeric "1A")

**Code generation strategy (choose one):**

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/DCjbyg6q6NPwpfDWmOyO" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### Special codes:

* Include "Other" — Adds a catch-all "Other" code for responses that don't fit any category
* Include "None" — Adds a "None of the above" code

#### Multi-coding:

* Allow multiple codes per response (toggle)
  * When OFF: Each response gets exactly 1 code
  * When ON: Choose max codes per response (2-10)
  * Use this when responses cover multiple themes

#### Code numbering:

For each question, you can set where code numbering starts:

* If the question has pre-coded options (e.g., a multiple choice question with 8 options), the system auto-sets the start number to 9 (after the pre-codes)
* You can adjust this manually — useful when your analysis tool expects specific numbering
* The input only accepts positive whole numbers (minimum 1)

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/FNtwAVoNdA7fol0cqVm3" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/7zMg71BLMpruRV1blXLc" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Generate Code Frames when ready. The AI generates codes for each question — **this may take a minute.**

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/l4uT5eEy4itcT8huxixk" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>


---

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