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cardSORTER

Free#22 of 39 in Card Sorting Software

cardSORTER: A focused, self-hosted Node.js tool for construct sorting and qualitative text coding. Ranked #22 of 39 in Card Sorting Software by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for developers needing self-hosted qualitative categorization.

6.0/10Editor score

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cardSORTER6.0 Visit cardSORTER

At a glance

Editor score
6.0 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Developers needing self-hosted qualitative categorization
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
13 Oct 2026

Where it wins
- Supports construct card sorting across multiple constructs
- Codes interview, forum, and other text into defined categories
- Open-source Node.js web application for self-hosted deployment
Where it doesn't
- Development is currently paused
- Self-hosted deployment places environment management on the buyer
- Focuses on construct sorting and qualitative coding rather than broad research workflows

Our verdict on cardSORTER

cardSORTER is an open-source, web-based application for social-science research teams that need construct card sorting and qualitative text coding. Its construct workflow groups items into multiple constructs to check initial content validity. Its coding workflow assigns interview, forum, or other text data to defined categories. The product fits solo researchers and small teams with technical capacity to run a Node.js application themselves.

The published positioning uses an open-source model rather than paid plan tiers. Deployment is self-hosted through a web-based interface, so cardSORTER suits organizations that want control over where the application runs. The repository documents a Node.js rewrite and an earlier PHP version, giving technically oriented teams implementation context. Buyers should expect to handle the application environment and ongoing upkeep instead of relying on a vendor-hosted service.

The main trade-off is project status: development is currently paused, and the README recommends using other tools until development resumes. That makes cardSORTER a better fit for developers who value an open-source starting point and can manage maintenance than for teams seeking an actively evolving product with vendor-led operations. Choose it for focused construct grouping and category-based text analysis; choose an alternative if current development activity or broader card-sorting study workflows are central requirements.

Your product? Our editors can test cardSORTER in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →

cardSORTER pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

cardSORTER fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Open card sorts	Not verified
Closed card sorts	Not verified
Hybrid card sorts	Not verified
Remote participant mode	Not verified
Participant limit	Not verified
Card limit	Not verified
Analysis features	Not verified
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Web
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	github.com
Facts checked	13 Oct 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

cardSORTER is listed in our Card Sorting Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 21 Oct 2026 · How we research and update