This page shows a visual overview of all available question types and it is meant as a starting point to get to detailed information about every question type.
By the way, the LimeSurvey download package includes a sample survey which includes all question types. You'll find it in your /docs/demosurveys-Directory - import it and test it out!
Hint: In LimeSurvey a survey consists of question groups which contain one or more question. So you have to create a question group first before you can add questions to your survey.
Subquestions
The concept of subquestions is new to LimeSurvey version 1.90 or later. Although subquestions existed before that in LimeSurvey they were named differently and were mostly covered by Label sets. With LimeSurvey 1.90 they are now clearly visible, definable, and logically structured.
An explanation of subquestions
Usually a question only has answers. But there are certain question types (like the Array question type) which are basically a subset of questions where each subquestion can be answered by the survey participant (often by using a predefined scale of answer options).
A more complex example is the question type 'Array of texts' where the respondent has to enter values for combinations. In that case the value entered by the respondent is the 'answer' and the two scales on the array are two scales of subquestions.
Styling questions
It is possible to generally edit the question layout/design by using CSS. You can find more information at styling questions with CSS
Question types
Arrays
The Array question type (sometimes referred to as Array Multi Flexible) further extends the List question type. Using this question type a matrix can be displayed in which columns are represented by subquestion and the same answer options are shown for each row. The text of the question can be either a specific question or a description.
In terms of output there is no difference in how responses are stored compared to question type 'List(Radio). In both cases the given answer is stored in its separate column in the result table.
Beside the most flexible array types 'Array', 'Array (Text)' and 'Array (Numbers)' LimeSurvey also supports a number of convenience array types which have predefined answer options.
Array
An array allows you to create subquestions as your left hand headings along the y-axis of a table, and let your participants respond with a series of possible answer options using those subquestions along the y-axis of the table. Examples of uses for this type include multiple point choice scales and questions that require feedback on several aspects of a particular topic.
Find out more about the Array question type...
An array type that is prefilled with answer choices "Yes", "No", and "Uncertain". You may also add a "No answer" choice if the question is not mandatory.
An array type that is prefilled with answer choices "Increase", "Same", and "Decrease". You may also add a "No answer" choice if the question is not mandatory.
The Array (Text) question type allows for an array of text boxes with a set of subquestions as the “y-axis”, and another set of subquestions as the “x-axis”.
Due to a lack of better word we define all questions where the input of answers is predefined as 'mask questions'.
Type D: Date
This question type can be used to ask for a certain date which can be entered direclty, using the javascript calendar or by using a dropdown representation. Since version 1.80 you can also specifiy a minimum and maximum value for dropdown dates.
The file upload question type (available in v1.91 or newer) can be used to collect file(s) from a user in response to a question. For example, a company with employment opportunities could use this question to request the candidate to submit/upload his resume as well as photograph and other scanned documents in the employment survey.
This question allows the user to change the language of the survey. In a dropdown box, users can choose between the languages in which the survey is available (base and additional languages).
Find out more about the Language switch question type...
Type N: Numerical input
This question types asks the survey participant to enter a single number.
This question type is a variation on the "Numerical input" question type. It allows multiple text boxes to be created each of which can only be answered using numbers. Each text box corresponds to an subquestion, and the subquestion text becomes the label for the input.
This question type does not collect input from the user and simply displays text. It can be used to provide further instructions or a design break in the survey.
Please note that the text of this question can take html or javascript code, therefore it can also be used for other purposes.
Note: This question type became available starting in Version 1.92
This question type lets the author create an equation (e.g. a calculation or tailored report) and save it in a database variable. Equations can use any syntax supported by Expression Manager.
Find out more about the Equation question type...
Multiple choice questions
Sometimes you want the participan to mark more than one answer option in the same question; this is achieved using checkboxes.
Type M: Multiple choice
This question type can collect input of multiple selections through checkboxes.
This question type can collect input of multiple selections through checkboxes, while allowing the user to provide additional comments with their submissions.
This question type collects input from a dropdown menu. You can also create subcategories within this list by using the advanced setting 'Category separator'.
LimeSurvey provides a number of possible variations of the standard text field. All of these can be defined further using the Advanced question settings which permit to restrict the number of characters as well as the size of the field.
Furthermore text input can be validated by using regular expressions.
Type S: Short free text
This question type collects a single line of text input.
This question type is a variation on the "Short Text" question type which allows more than one text entry per question. The user first defines the question and can then add additional text boxes by adding 'Answers'. Each answer becomes the label of the new text box.
