BORIS

BORIS is event-logging software for coding video and audio and recording live observations. It is best suited to research and other structured observation work, where detailed coding and analysis matter more than a general-purpose review workspace. Its analytical tools and export range are compelling at no cost, though Android use comes with a beta caveat and project files need careful backup.

Overview

BORIS brings media coding, live event logging, analysis, and export together. Users can define unlimited behaviors, subjects, modifiers, and independent variables, with behaviors recorded as state or point events. That breadth supports complex observation schemes, but may be unnecessary overhead for people who only want to add occasional notes to video.

Data is stored in JSON, an open format intended to support further analysis. The project warns that backward compatibility of project files is not guaranteed, so regular backups are important for anyone maintaining long-running work.

Key features

Media coding and live observation

Playback speeds span 0.1× to 100×, with synchronization for up to eight media files and frame-by-frame navigation. Frame-accurate marking and drawing annotations help with precise review, while custom labels or fields allow coding schemes to reflect a project’s needs. Live event logging works in the desktop program and the Android app, supporting both recorded-media review and observation as events occur.

The Android app is designed for live observations, but version 0.13 is marked beta for testing only. It is therefore a less dependable choice for users who need a mature mobile workflow.

Analysis and interoperability

Analysis includes Cohen’s Kappa inter-rater reliability, transition matrices, flow diagrams, time-budget analysis, and graphical representations of coded data. These tools make BORIS more than an event-entry utility, particularly for teams assessing coding consistency or examining patterns over time.

Exports range from TSV, CSV, HTML, ODS, XLSX and XLS to Pandas and R dataframes, SQL, SDIS, Praat TextGrid, behavioral strings, and JWatcher formats. BORIS also imports JWatcher Global Definition Files and Noldus The Observer XT OTX/OTB templates. This range helps fit coded data into varied analysis workflows. The download page says files are signed with GPG and provides a PGP public key for integrity verification.

Pricing

BORIS costs nothing. The free plan is free and open-source software distributed under GNU GPL v.3; there is no free-trial distinction to weigh. There are no paid tiers or stated seat or quota caps, making it a practical option for users who want a full coding and analysis workflow without a subscription.

Support resources include a user guide, video tutorials and workshops, an FAQ, a user forum, and channels for bug reports and feature requests. The project asks users to cite BORIS when disseminating results in publications.

Platforms

BORIS supports Android, Linux, macOS, self-hosted use, and Windows. The desktop program and Android app support live event logging, but the Android app’s beta status makes it better treated as a testing option than a settled mobile tool.

Who it's for

BORIS fits researchers and other users who need a configurable system for coding media or logging live events, then analyzing and exporting the resulting data. Its reliability measures and broad data formats are useful when observations feed formal analysis. It is less suited to casual video review or anyone who needs assured compatibility of project files across future versions.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Unlimited coding elements and state or point events accommodate detailed observation schemes.
• Pros: Reliability analysis, transition and time-budget tools, and extensive export formats support work beyond basic event logging.
• Pros: Free, open-source distribution removes subscription cost from the core workflow.
• Cons: Backward compatibility is not guaranteed, so projects need regular backups.
• Cons: The Android app is beta and marked for testing only, limiting its suitability for dependable mobile work.

Alternatives

Video Annotation Software is a useful starting point for comparing tools across the broader video-annotation category.

LongoMatch may suit users who want a free sports-analysis workflow with defined caps: its Basic plan allows five projects, two teams, one dashboard, and 50 events per project, with a non-removable watermark.

Onform is worth considering for video review centered on coach-shared videos and personal recording; its Individual Basic plan is free when connected to a coach.

Frame.io fits collaborative media workflows: its free plan allows up to two members, 2GB storage, 2GB mounted storage, and up to two projects.

FrameQuery is an option for metadata search and local, Drive, or NAS sharing and backup; its free plan has no monthly indexing hours, and face, voice, and AI-tag search require indexed video.

Label Studio is another freemium annotation option for users comparing labeling tools.

Datavyu is another free, open-source option, with free software and technical support.

dfine.io Review is an option for users who prefer a web or macOS workflow; its free plan includes 250 MB cloud storage and 25 files.

InqScribe is another choice for media transcription on macOS or Windows; its perpetual license is a one-time purchase of 79.00 USD and includes two years of free updates.

Verdict

Choose BORIS if you need a free, configurable system for structured media coding or live observation, with serious analysis and export options. Look elsewhere if mobile reliability is central or project-file continuity across versions is essential.