University of Michigan-Flint

Questions that use a text box for the answer include those in the first row of options under "Select the Type of Answer". 

• Text Box
  
• A plain text box allows users to type a response.  This option is best used for short answers that will require only a few words to be entered.
  
• Text Area
  
• A text area will allow users to view more text as they enter their response.  This option is best for any longer answers, or questions that may require a paragraph or more to respond.
  
• Secret Text Box
  
  
• A secret text box will hide the information that is being typed.  If you ask the user to enter a desired password, or other information that they may not want those around them to see, you should use this option.  Please note:  If you use a secret text box, and then allow the user to review their answers before submitting (see the section on Publishing Options for details) the hidden text will be displayed.  If you wish to use a secret text box it is recommend that you do not check the option to allow users to review their data prior to submission or email the responses to the user in a confirmation email.  All information submitted using a secret text box will be visible when you view the responses in FormAssembly.

All of the above options will provide the validation option shown below:

• Make sure "Answer required" is checked if you want to make sure the user must enter an answer before submitting the form.  Select the format you are expecting for answers from the drop-down menu.

The second row of options under "Select the Type of Answer" allow you to provide the user with choices for their answer, instead of entering their own.  Using this method of entry it is less likely that you will receive irrelevant answers and unnecessary information. 

• Radio buttons
  
• By selecting the radio buttons answer format you will be able to give the user several possible answers from which to choose.  With radio buttons users will only be able to select one answer. 
  
• Checkboxes
  
• The checkbox answer format will allow users to select more than one answer. 
  
• Drop-down Menu
  
  
• A drop-down menu will allow users to select one answer.  A drop-down menu is the best option for providing several possible answers in a way that does not clutter up the form (as long lists of checkboxes might). 
  
• Scrolling List:
  
• A scrolling list allows users to select multiple answers from the choices that you provide. 
  

All of the above options will provide you with validation options, in addition to adding multiple choice selections, similar to the one shown below:

Use the "Add another choice" button to continue adding as many options as you need.  The options can be rearranged using the up and down arrows immediately to the right of the choice.  Use the red "X" next to options to delete as necessary.

Make sure "Answer required" is checked if you want to make the user enter an answer before submitting the form.

FormAssembly provides a "File Upload" answer field for you to allow users to upload files with their completed form.  The "File Upload" answer format is shown in the image below:

Any uploaded files will appear as attachments in the responses area (please refer to the "Working with Responses" section). 

Hidden fields allow you to submit information along with the form that the user does not enter.  This field is especially helpful if you plan on writing your own code (see the section on Connectors).  If you do create a hidden field make sure that you do not mark it as required unless you use the "Advanced" tab to prefill the field!  Users will be unable to submit your form if a hidden field is required and you leave it blank.  The hidden field format icon is shown below:

Text Box/Area

The advanced tab for text boxes and text areas will provide the following options for you in designing your form:

• Repeatable Question: By checking this box an additional link will be placed on your form.  Users can click the link to duplicate the question and enter additional responses.
• Conditional Question:  Selecting this option will mean that the current question will not appear until the user selects the required option from another question.  In order to implement this question you must include at least one multiple choice question on your form (either a radio button, check box, drop down, or scrolling list answer type). 
  
• Calculations:  You can use answers input by the user to calculate answers.  To make an answer a calculated value, simply check the box "This is a calculated field".  Additional fields will appear that allow you to enter the mathematical formula to be used.  Please note: If you mark a text box or text area as calculated the user will still be able to change the value after the calculation occurs.  If the current answer will not be calculated, but you would like to use the response in another calculation check the "This is a variable in a calculated field".
  
• Advanced Presentation Options:  This area allows you to make specific adjustments for the current question.  Using the "Delimiters" text areas you can display text before the field and directly after the field.  Additional options are provided for the placement of the label (the question) and how choices for multiple choice questions are displayed.