FAQ
What does Qiqqa do, and who is it for?
Qiqqa is designed for anyone who deals with a lot of PDFs. If you're an undergrad writing a thesis, doing your masters or PhD, or your job involves research, you'll probably love Qiqqa.
Qiqqa allows you to find, manage, and get the most from your papers, without hassle. It contains powerful search, OCR, tagging, and semantic tools to allow you to get to the papers you need, discover links between them, record your notes, and much much more.
The best way to understand it is to dive in and start playing. Import your existing documents if you already have a collection, and then explore its capabilities.
Qiqqa allows you to find, manage, and get the most from your papers, without hassle. It contains powerful search, OCR, tagging, and semantic tools to allow you to get to the papers you need, discover links between them, record your notes, and much much more.
The best way to understand it is to dive in and start playing. Import your existing documents if you already have a collection, and then explore its capabilities.
Is Qiqqa free?
Yes, and there will always be a version for free.
What are the system requirements?
Qiqqa should run fine on any modern Windows computer. Like many programs, the .NET
Framework is required - you probably already have it installed. If not you'll be prompted to download and install it when you install Qiqqa.
You also need to be an Administrator on your computer to install it. If you are not, contact us for an alternative version.
You also need to be an Administrator on your computer to install it. If you are not, contact us for an alternative version.
How do I get the latest version of Qiqqa?
Whenever new updates are available, Qiqqa should automatically prompt you to update
it. You can also find it here.
How does Qiqqa compare to other similar programs?
Check out this comparison chart.
Where does Qiqqa store my data?
The Qiqqa database is stored:
on XP: C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Local\Quantisle\Qiqqa
on Windows 7: C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Local\Quantisle\Qiqqa
(where xxx is your windows username.)
If you wish to change Qiqqa's database storage location you can do so from the "Config" screen. Note that you must restart Qiqqa to apply this change. You must also manually copy across old database folders if you want to keep your library.
on XP: C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Local\Quantisle\Qiqqa
on Windows 7: C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Local\Quantisle\Qiqqa
(where xxx is your windows username.)
If you wish to change Qiqqa's database storage location you can do so from the "Config" screen. Note that you must restart Qiqqa to apply this change. You must also manually copy across old database folders if you want to keep your library.
How do I delete multiple files from Qiqqa so I can start over?
If you want to start from scratch - i.e., delete the whole Qiqqa database, then
exit Qiqqa, and go to the following directory in Windows Explorer:
on XP: C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Local\Quantisle\Qiqqa
on Windows 7: C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Local\Quantisle\Qiqqa
(where xxx is your windows username.)
Delete all the files in that directory, and restart Qiqqa.
on XP: C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Local\Quantisle\Qiqqa
on Windows 7: C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Local\Quantisle\Qiqqa
(where xxx is your windows username.)
Delete all the files in that directory, and restart Qiqqa.
Qiqqa appears to be using quite a bit of CPU?
Qiqqa does some intensive work to translate the images in PDFs to text so they can
be searched. It does this work in such a way that it does not affect your other
programs (it's run on the lowest priority). It will appear that your CPU usage is
high, but any other program that need to do work will instantly get priority over
Qiqqa's background processing. If it really bothers you, you can disable OCR quite
easily.
Is there a Mac/Linux version?
If you are using Qiqqa on a Windows machine and sync with your Web Library, then
you will be able to access your PDFs on any platform using its web browser. However,
we have no immediate plans for a Mac or Linux specific release. If you would like either of these versions, please let us know here. Thanks!
How do I uninstall Qiqqa?
If you go to the standard Windows "Add/Remove Programs" screen in the Control Panel,
you will see a row there for Qiqqa. Right click and select "Uninstall".
Can I get to my documents using my iPhone, iPad, netbook, or other mobile device?
Yes! Your Qiqqa Web Library contains all the documents you've synced. As long as
your device can access the web, and open PDFs, you'll be able to get at them wherever
you are.
We also now have a dedicated Android version.
We also now have a dedicated Android version.
I already use another program such as Mendeley™ EndNote™ or Zotero™, can I import my documents?
Yip. You'll find the Import button above your Library.
I don't use those programs, but I have a large BibTex with all my documents. Can I import them?
Yes, so long as your BibTeX includes a "file" field, pointing to your physical PDF, you can use the Generic BibTeX import option. The file field should be in the format as per the example below:
@article{Smith2010,
author = {Smith, Bob},
file = {:c:\my library\myreport.pdf:pdf},
journal = {Review Literature And Arts Of The Americas},
title = {{First year report}},
year = {2010}
}
Zotero™ note: apparently Zotero™ does not allow you to export in this way if you have a non-default data folder. Switching back to the default Firefox folder should fix it.
@article{Smith2010,
author = {Smith, Bob},
file = {:c:\my library\myreport.pdf:pdf},
journal = {Review Literature And Arts Of The Americas},
title = {{First year report}},
year = {2010}
}
Zotero™ note: apparently Zotero™ does not allow you to export in this way if you have a non-default data folder. Switching back to the default Firefox folder should fix it.
Does Qiqqa modify the original files at all?
Qiqqa doesnt overwrite the original PDF - in fact it makes a copy of that PDF into
its own library. If you change your original pdfs in any way outside Qiqqa(e.g.
adding annotations in the underlying PDF using Acrobat) then Qiqqa won't notice
it automatically and will assume that that is a different PDF if you add it again
(it won't be skipped as a duplicate).
This technology was put in place so that you can confidently add the same file from multiple places (e.g., your hard drive, the internet) and not have duplicates in your Qiqqa library. Changing a PDF outside Qiqqa in any way means that it will be treated as a unique file if you then drag that new PDF into Qiqqa.
This technology was put in place so that you can confidently add the same file from multiple places (e.g., your hard drive, the internet) and not have duplicates in your Qiqqa library. Changing a PDF outside Qiqqa in any way means that it will be treated as a unique file if you then drag that new PDF into Qiqqa.
Are the annotations done in Qiqqa visible outside of Qiqqa?
The annotations you do in Qiqqa are visible only in Qiqqa. This is because the types
of annotations you can do in Qiqqa are not supported by the plain PDF file. Your
original PDF is left untouched.
What are AutoTags?
Can I import Word documents, or documents other than PDFs?
Currently Qiqqa focusses only on research documents, which are primarily in PDF form. We may support other document types in future - let us know if you need this.
Is it possible to move individual documents between libraries, rather than ALL?
Sure! Although you can't move them (you have to copy, then delete), open both libraries. Then go to the source library and select multiple rows in the grid (holding down CTRL), then drag and drop one of the PDF icons onto the tab with the other library.
How do I drag PDF documents from my library to a brainstorm?
To start dragging a PDF, left click on the PDF icon in your document library and move the mouse. You can also select multiple documents first by holding down CTRL and selecting them before finally dragging from one of their PDF icons.
To make an already opened brainstorm visible for dropping there are two ways:
To make an already opened brainstorm visible for dropping there are two ways:
- right click the title of the brainstorm and select floating window, or move to right/bottom pane. Then you can drag and drop directly from one screen to the other. This is our preferred method.
- alternatively, if you want to use the full screen, drag the PDF document to the brainstorm tab, hover there for a few seconds to make the brainstorm appear, and then drop on the brainstorm.
This BibTeX sounds quite powerful - I see Qiqqa uses it extensively. Where can I find out more?
This Wikipedia article is a great start. If you're an academic, you'll find BibTeX really useful.
When I enter BibTex, it immediately goes red?
If it's red, it means your entry is not valid BibTeX. Take a look at valid BibTeX entries on this page to get a feel for what they should look like. Remember that an entry requires at least one row, so it will go red initially at least once.
How do I remove a tag from a document?
Just click the actual tag (in the metadata section) when viewing the document (or
editing it in the grid).
How does Qiqqa automatically fill out metadata?
When a new document is added to Qiqqa the following steps happen:
- the title is populated with the original filename (or the web url if you downloaded the paper)
- it then looks in the pdf metadata - if the creator of the pdf filled in the metadata fields for title, author, year, qiqqa uses that.
- then it does the OCR. Once the OCR is done Qiqqa tries to automatically extract the title of the paper from the front page (not always 100%)
- if you add a bibtex record to the file it will use the title, author, year in that.
- if you manually type in a title, author, year, it will always use that (if you clear this out, it then falls back on the previous steps)
How do I generate a BibTeX file for my papers?
On the library toolbar there is an "Export to BibTeX" button. Press it and all the BibTeX that you have associated with your documents will be written to a file of your choice so that you can use it with LaTeX/BibTeX or LyX.
How do I use Qiqqa to generate a bibliography in Word?
We don't build the Word plugin ourselves - it comes built into Word. All you need to do it feed it your citation database and Word will pick up from there. Qiqqa will automatically translate your BibTeX or PubMed information into the XML format that is needed by the Word Bibliography system.
For more information see here.
What is a Vanilla reference?
It's a reference you can add to your library, without actually having the PDF. You can edit all its metadata in the usual way. This is useful if you will be getting hold of the paper later, or wish to cite it using InCite.
Do I need to create an account to use Qiqqa?
Nope - just
download
it and try it out. If later you'd like to
sync
your library of documents between your computers, you'll need to
create a free account.
I want to change my password. Where do I go?
To update your password go to the Qiqqa homepage at www.qiqqa.com,
click "Log On" in the top right-hand corner to sign in, and once signed in, click
on your username in the top-right of the screen to get to your personal settings.
I have forgotten my password. How do I reset it?
Do I need to be connected to the Internet to use Qiqqa?
Qiqqa will work if you do not have an Internet connection. The key thing is that you have already logged onto Qiqqa while you are on the Internet.
As long as you don't explicitly sign out (by clicking logout on the bottom right) you will remain "authenticated" when you start Qiqqa again and are not on the Internet.
We believe that this model works best to protect your information!
Obviously, you won't be able to do things like syncing, but you will certainly be able to work on your documents and sync them up the next time you have an Internet connection.
Obviously, you won't be able to do things like syncing, but you will certainly be able to work on your documents and sync them up the next time you have an Internet connection.
What are Qiqqa Libraries?
When you run Qiqqa, you get a Default Library. This is all yours, and completely private. But, if you like, you can create additional Libraries. You can also share any Library with friends, fellow academics or colleagues.
It's easy to create a Library and invite people to join it. If they accept your invitation, you'll both be able to contribute documents, annotations and so on - just like your default Qiqqa Library.
Are the documents in my Library private?
Any Library you create is by default private to you. You are the only member. If you invite others to join your Library and they accept, they will have access to your Library, but noone else.
Who can invite people to join a Library?
There are two types of Library Members - Contributors and Adminstrators. Only Administrators can invite other people to join. If you create a Library you are automatically an Administrator.
Ok, I'm a member of a Library, how do I see the documents?
In Qiqqa, go to your Start Page. From here click the button for your Library (if you don't see it, ensure you're online and click "Refresh Libraries"). You will then be able to interact with it just like your regular Library. You can also access the Library's contents via its Web Library.
Can I make another Library Member an Administrator?
Yes - when editing your Library, click the icon next to the member's name and click "Give Admin rights"
What can a Library Administrator's do?
Invite new members, grant other members Admin rights, and remove people from the group.
How does syncing work?
If I use Qiqqa, do I have to sync my documents?
Nope, you can work with them entirely locally - syncing is optional.
If I remove someone from a Library, will the Library magically disappear from their computers?
No. But they will no longer be able to sync - so they will no longer be able to get new documents, update metadata, contribute annotations, etc.
I've been using the Guest Library without creating a Qiqqa account. I'm ready to create my own Library - can I copy my documents in?
Yes! You can copy the documents from any Library (including your Guest Library) to any other Library. This works much like the regular import. With your destination library open, click the "Add all documents from another library" button on the toolbar.
Where can I find out more about this?
How can I get Premium for free?
I'd like to buy in bulk for my institution/company, do you offer discounts?
Yep! Get in touch.
Got additional questions?
How does InCite work?
Watch this short video.
Do I need a Premium subscription to use InCite?
Nope! There are some enhancements if you do have, but it's not required.
Which versions of Word™ is InCite compatible with?
2003, 2007, 2010. It should work whether you're using 32bit or 64bit Windows.
Qiqqa doesn't seem to be connecting with Word?
After clicking the InCite wand button, this should happen automatically after a few seconds. If it doesn't, ensure:
- Word™ is definitely running
- You have not started Qiqqa as an administrator, and Word as a normal user (or vice versa)
Can you print a list of the references that you have in the library?
Open Incite, then select ALL documents (click on one then press CTRL-A), then press the "copy citations to clipboard) button, Qiqqa will put on the clipboard all the references for which you have BibTeX.
Paste into Word, or an email, or anything that supports formatted Rich Text to get the formatted list in your preferred citation style.
I have a problem/query not answered here.
Do you have an Android version?
Yes! Please find details on our download page.
What username and password do I use on the login screen?
You will need a Qiqqa account to use the Android version.
How do you pronounce this odd name?!
Just like "quicker"... our aim is to get you to your research goals, or the right document, quicker.
I am concerned about privacy. Where do I stand with Qiqqa?
If you do not use the syncing feature of Qiqqa, you can rest assured that your documents will remain local and private to you and your computer
at all times. We will add in future the ability to completely disable Syncing, so that you don't sync by accident.
If you are comfortable that PDFs on your local computer offer you enough privacy, then you can use Qiqqa locally without additional concern.
That said, even if you have synced to your Web Library, we do not make your documents available to anyone else, unless you explicitly invite them to your Library.
We use Amazon's Cloud Service to store your Web Libraries. These are private and not accessible to anyone else unless you share the library explicitly. You can find out more about Amazon's top-notch security and privacy standards here.
If you have any ideas about how we might be able to further improve Qiqqa in a way that offers you further peace of mind, don't hesitate to give us that feedback. We would love to solve your problem!
If you are comfortable that PDFs on your local computer offer you enough privacy, then you can use Qiqqa locally without additional concern.
That said, even if you have synced to your Web Library, we do not make your documents available to anyone else, unless you explicitly invite them to your Library.
We use Amazon's Cloud Service to store your Web Libraries. These are private and not accessible to anyone else unless you share the library explicitly. You can find out more about Amazon's top-notch security and privacy standards here.
If you have any ideas about how we might be able to further improve Qiqqa in a way that offers you further peace of mind, don't hesitate to give us that feedback. We would love to solve your problem!
Who makes this thing?
How many surrealists does it take to change a lightbulb?
Two. One to hold the giraffe, and one to put the clocks in the bathtub.
I need a poster or some slides to show off Qiqqa to my class
No problem: Press Pack
Got a question you still need answered?
© Copyright 2012 Quantisle Ltd.
Qiqqa is a trademark of Quantisle Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Terms and Conditions
Qiqqa is a trademark of Quantisle Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Terms and Conditions
