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