Question Types
IDEAL Survey supports over 10 question types for any data collection need. Each type is designed for specific use cases, from simple text inputs to complex repeat groups and calculations. Choose the right question type to ensure data quality, improve user experience, and enable powerful features like conditional logic, validation, and cross-survey references.
Text
Single-line text input for short responses. Supports validation with regex patterns and length constraints.
Example uses: Names, identifiers, short answers, contact information
Output format: String
Output example: "Sample text response"
Long Text
Multi-line textarea for detailed responses, comments, or descriptions. Ideal for open-ended questions requiring paragraph-length answers.
Example uses: Feedback, detailed descriptions, notes, observations
Output format: String
Output example: "This is a longer response with multiple sentences..."
Number
Numeric input with validation for integers or decimals. Supports range constraints (min/max) and can be used in calculations.
Example uses: Quantities, measurements, scores, counts, values
Output format: Number
Output example: 42 or 3.14
Single Choice
Select one option from a list. Display as radio buttons, dropdown, or button grid. Options can be static or dynamically loaded from previous questions or external sources.
Example uses: Categories, yes/no questions, rating scales, status selection
Output format: String (selected option value)
Output example: "Option A"
Multiple Choice
Select multiple options from a list using checkboxes. Set maximum selections limit if needed. Display as checkboxes, list, or button grid.
Example uses: Multiple selections, preferences, attributes, features
Output format: Array of strings
Output example: ["Option A", "Option C", "Option D"]
Mapping
Drag-and-drop interface to match items from two lists. Perfect for pairing, categorization, or relationship mapping tasks.
Example uses: Match items, assign relationships, categorize elements
Output format: Object with key-value pairs
Output example: { "Item1": "Category A", "Item2": "Category B" }
Table
Grid layout with rows and columns for structured data entry. Each cell can be text, number, or choice type. Supports dynamic row/column generation.
Example uses: Structured data, comparison matrices, scoring grids, schedules
Output format: 2D array (rows and columns)
Output example: [["A1", "B1"], ["A2", "B2"]]
Repeat Group
Collect multiple instances of the same question set. Respondents can add/remove instances. Supports filtering, aggregation, and advanced referencing.
Example uses: Multiple entries, repeated items, collections, series
Output format: Array of objects (each instance contains nested question answers)
Output example: [{ "field1": "value1", "field2": 10 }, { "field1": "value2", "field2": 20 }]
Calculate
Auto-computed field hidden from respondents. Performs arithmetic, conditional logic, and aggregations. Results can be referenced in other questions.
Example uses: Totals, derived values, computed scores, conditional results
Output format: Number or string (depends on calculation)
Output example: 150 or "Eligible"
Note
Display-only text for instructions, explanations, or section headers. No answer is collected. Supports dynamic references to show personalized information.
Example uses: Instructions, explanations, headers, personalized messages
Output format: No output (display only)
Output example: N/A
Group
Organize related questions into a collapsible section with a shared label. Unlike repeat groups, this creates a single instance of grouped questions.
Example uses: Section organization, related questions, logical grouping
Output format: No output (organizational structure only)
Output example: N/A
Marker
Structure markers for begin_group and end_group to create collapsible sections. These are invisible to respondents but organize the survey structure.
Example uses: Section boundaries, collapsible groups, structural organization
Output format: No output (structural marker only)
Output example: N/A