Background

A waveform is the visual representation of audio data.  If NVivo is unable to generate the waveform from the video, it will trigger an error message.  The error usually indicates and issue with decoding the video.

 

Error

 "Unable to Generate Waveform" when importing a video into NVivo.

Solution

1. To resolve the issue, open the file in QuickTime Player (outside of NVivo) and export it in the default encoding format following these steps

• Open QuickTime Player.
• Go to File -> Export -> Audio Only.
• In the new window, provide a file name, choose a location on the Mac device (not on a cloud or network drive) and click Save.

2. Import the exported file into NVivo

3. If you continue to have issues, right click on the file and choose Get Info.

• Make sure the file properties on the Mac has:
  • "Everyone" set to No Access
  • Your profile set to Read/Write
    • This is required for NVivo to access it.