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Database Installation

QualX requires at least one crystallographic reference database in its own compiled format (.sq file). Database files are not included in the QualX installation and must be downloaded separately.

Available databases

Pre-built databases are available for download from the QualX Databases page.

File Contents Size
cod_inorg.zip COD — inorganic phases only 304 MB
cod.zip COD — complete database 2.7 GB

Each archive contains a single folder (cod_inorg or cod) with all the required files. Extract it into your QualXDB folder following the instructions below.

Default database folder

QualX looks for databases in a dedicated folder called QualXDB inside your home directory:

Platform Default path
Linux / macOS ~/QualXDB
Windows C:\Users\<username>\QualXDB

At every launch QualX scans this folder recursively for .sq files and registers any database it finds automatically — no manual configuration needed. You can organise the folder freely: subfolders are fully supported.

Setting up the QualXDB folder

  1. Create the QualXDB folder in your home directory.
  2. Download one of the zip archives from the link above and extract it directly into QualXDB. After extraction the folder should look like: 
    ~/QualXDB/
└── cod_inorg/          (or cod/)
    ├── cod_inorg.sq
    ├── cod_inorg.sq.info
    ├── cod_inorg.sq.infostat
    └── cod_inorg.sq.search
  3. Launch QualX — the database is detected and registered automatically.

What happens if the folder is not found

If QualX starts without any configured database and the QualXDB folder does not exist, a dialog is shown with two options:

  • Choose folder… — lets you select a different folder that will be saved as the new default. QualX scans it immediately and registers all databases found inside.
  • Manage Databases later — dismiss the dialog and configure databases manually via Search → Manage Databases.

Adding a database manually

If you prefer not to use the default folder, or need to register an additional database stored elsewhere:

  1. Open Search → Manage Databases
  2. Click Add existing and browse to your .sq database file
  3. Click OK — the database is now active