About question types

Every question has a type: single choice, multiple choice, text, number, date, array (a grid) and more. The type decides how the question looks and what kind of answer a participant can give. You pick the type when you add a question, and you can change it later in the question settings. LimeSurvey 7 offers 28 types in seven categories.

Pick a type when you add a question

1. Open your survey in the editor and click the purple + button at the top left. The question type picker opens.

2. Click a type in one of the seven categories: Single choice, Multiple choice, Ranking & rating, Dates & data, Text, Number and Array. If you know the name, type it into Search for a question type at the top of the picker.

   

3. The question is added at the end of the current question group. Click Your question here and type your question text.

Change the type of an existing question

1. Click the question in the editorial area. The Question settings panel opens on the right.

2. Under Type, click the current type and pick a new one from the picker.

3. Check the subquestions and answer options after the change. The new type may need different ones: single choice types use answer options, multiple choice types use subquestions, arrays use both, and text, number and date types use neither. See Add subquestions and answer options.

Note: While a survey is active you cannot change question types or add questions. Stop the survey first with Deactivate survey. See Activate or stop a survey.

The seven categories

• Single choice: one answer from a list. List (radio), List with comment (Radio), List image select (Radio), 5 point choice, Dropdown, Single choice buttons.
• Multiple choice: several answers from a list. Multiple choice, Multiple choice with comments, Multiple choice buttons, Image select multiple choice.
• Ranking & rating: Ranking advanced, Gender, Yes/No.
• Dates & data: Date/time, File upload, Map/browser detection.
• Text: Short text, Long text, Multiple short text, and Text display, which shows text without asking anything.
• Number: Numerical input, Multiple numerical input, Equation.
• Array: several subquestions that share one answer scale. Array (Point choice), Array (Texts), Array (Numbers), Array by column, Array dual scale.

Each type has its own settings in the Question settings panel, for example mandatory, randomization or validation. The Question types section describes every type in detail.

Next steps

• Add and edit a question
• Add subquestions and answer options
• Add and edit a question group

FAQ

Every new survey starts with a multiple choice question. Can I change it?

Yes. Click the sample question, open Type in the Question settings panel and pick another type. Or delete it with the trash icon at the bottom right of the question card and add the type you need with the + button.

The picker is long. Is there a faster way to find a type?

Type part of the name into Search for a question type at the top of the picker, for example "date" or "array".