Text based questions

This page covers everything you need to know about text based questions

Text based questions are questions which are responded to by entering text or numbers

Step 1

Initially two text based question type are visible

• Text

• Long Text

Screenshot showing text and long text question types

Step 2

Clicking on the ^ symbol beside the 'Text' label reveals some additional text based questions

Screenshot showing additional text based questions

Step 3

A text based question looks like this

Screenshot showing the input options for a text based question

Step 4

Under 'Designation' give the question a label.

The 'label' is how the questions will appear on the form. Make it as clear and concise as possible. Avoid long questions as they won't render well on small screens or mobiles

Screenshot showing a 'label' being written for a text question

Step 5

Always check the 'Accessibility' box under the label. This will make sure that the label 'wraps' on small screens if you have a long label.

It is good practice to keep labels short and concise. Helper text can be used to provide additional information about the question if needed

Screenshot showing the location of the 'Accessibility' box

Selecting the 'more accessible label' option allows you to write the label in markdown.

This means you can add styling to your question label and also allows you to include 'tooltips' to explain difficult words.

See seperate Guidance Notes on Using Markdown and Using Tooltips

Step 7

Select the 'Validation' box if you require Respondents to answer the question

If Respondents don't answer a required question, they will be told that they have missed a required question immediately. They will be able to continue to fill in the survey but will be redirectly to complete required questions before they can submit their survey. All prompts are announced to Screen Readers.

Screenshot showing the location of the 'Validation' box

Step 8

It is possible to set a maximum character length for text answers and to show the character counter to respondents. There will be no restrictions on the length of answers if no maxium length is set.

Step 9

The other text based questions operate in the a similar way. The main differences are as follows:

• Currency and number questions provide an options for setting a maximum and minimum value for answers

• Date questions require Respondents to enter a date in the format dd/mm/yyyy

• Email questions require Respondents to enter a recognised email format ie the answer must include @ to be accepted

• Long text gives an option to set the number of rows that will be visible and the maximum number of rows that are available

Congratulations- you can now add text based questions!