Adding Instructions & Help Text
Clear guidance helps respondents answer accurately and finish your survey. SurveyMethods gives you a few ways to add context, from formatting the question itself to inserting standalone instruction blocks.
Format the Question Text
Every question is edited in a rich text editor, so you can build guidance right into the question. Add a second line, bold a key word, or include an example so respondents know exactly what you expect.
- Open your survey in the editor and click the question you want to change.
- On the Edit tab, type your question in the text area.
- Use the formatting toolbar to add emphasis, lists, or line breaks.
Add a Text Element
For instructions that stand on their own, add a Text element from the builder. It is display-only, so respondents simply read it. There is no answer to collect.
- Drag or click Text from the list of elements.
- Enter your content in the rich text editor.
- Place it above a group of related questions or at the top of a page.
Text elements are ideal for section introductions, definitions, or a short note before a sensitive question.
Page Titles and Descriptions
On a multi-page survey, each page has an optional Page Title and Page Description. The description shows as introductory text at the top of the page, making it a natural place for instructions that apply to a whole section.
Instructions for File Uploads
File Upload questions include a dedicated Instructions for respondent field. Use it to explain what to attach, accepted formats, and size limits before the upload control.
Tips
| Goal | Best option |
|---|---|
| Clarify one question | Question text formatting |
| Introduce a section | Text element or Page Description |
| Explain an upload | File Upload instructions |
Keep guidance short and preview your survey to confirm it reads well. For more on element types, see the Question Types Overview.
Need help? Browse more articles in the Survey Creation section.
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