Sonal π

What Sonal π is

Sonal π is free, open-source software for qualitative research, created at the University of Tours. It collects research materials into a corpus for organization and analysis, and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Researchers can place colored markers on text to structure coding and filter materials. The software supports speaker identification, helps identify and pseudonymize proper names in transcripts, and lets users add metadata such as sex and age. A database can be built alongside a corpus, while filtering and export tools let users retrieve data according to their needs. Sonal π does not transcribe audio files; instead, it helps correct transcripts produced by AI. The maker says the project remains under development and is not completely stable, recommending regular updates and frequent backups. The download page lists version 1.0.80 as current. Sonal was conceived and developed from 2008 by sociologist Alex Alber at the University of Tours, with help from Philippe Cibois; the maker is based at the university. Students in the University of Tours sociology master's program tried shared corpus-coding features during the 2025–2026 academic year. The maker says its site does not track personal data or set cookies. Questions, suggestions, and contributions can be sent to [email protected].

Who it suits

Sonal π suits qualitative researchers who need corpus organization, transcript correction, coding, metadata, pseudonymization, and export. It is also relevant to University of Tours sociology work involving shared corpus coding.

Limits

Sonal π is free and open-source. The maker describes it as still under development and not completely stable, and recommends regular updates and frequent backups.

Getting started

1. Open the Sonal π website
2. Go to the download page
3. Download the listed version 1.0.80 for Linux, macOS, or Windows
4. Install and open Sonal π on your supported desktop system
5. Create or load a corpus and add research materials

Verdict

Pick Sonal π if you want free, open-source corpus-based qualitative research tools across desktop operating systems. Its coding, metadata, speaker identification, and pseudonymization features cover substantial transcript work. Look elsewhere if you need audio transcription or a project described as fully stable.