Customize Questions

Every question block in SmarterForm can be fully customized. From changing question text to setting validation rules, you have complete control over how your form works.

Editing Question Text

To edit the main question text:

• Click on the question block in your form canvas
• The settings panel opens on the right
• Edit the "Question" field at the top
• Your changes appear instantly in the preview

Adding Descriptions (Helper Text)

Descriptions appear below the question text to provide additional context or instructions:

• In the question settings panel, find the "Description" field
• Type your helper text (e.g., "Please be as specific as possible")
• Descriptions appear in smaller, lighter text below the question

Required vs. Optional

By default, all questions are optional. To make a question required:

• Open the question settings panel
• Toggle the "Required" switch on
• A red asterisk (*) will appear next to the question text
• Respondents must answer required questions before submitting

Best practice: Only make questions required if you truly need the answer. Requiring too many fields reduces completion rates.

Validation Rules

Some question types have built-in validation to ensure data quality:

Email Validation

Email fields automatically check that the input is a valid email format (e.g., user@example.com). No configuration needed.

Website Validation

Website fields automatically check that the input is a valid URL (e.g., https://example.com). No configuration needed.

Number Validation

For Number fields, you can set:

• Minimum value: Reject numbers below a threshold
• Maximum value: Reject numbers above a threshold
• Decimals allowed: Accept or reject decimal numbers

Question Type Settings

Different question types have unique settings:

Multiple Choice

Customize the choices respondents can select:

• Click "Add choice" to add options
• Drag to reorder choices
• Click the trash icon to delete a choice
• Enable "Allow other" to let respondents write in a custom answer

Rating

Configure rating scales:

• Rating type: Stars, numbers, or emojis
• Max rating: 5, 10, etc.
• Labels: Add text labels for low/high ends (e.g., "Poor" / "Excellent")

Date

Configure date pickers:

• Date format: MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY, etc.
• Min/max dates: Restrict date ranges
• Default value: Pre-fill with today's date or a specific date

Yes/No

Customize how yes/no appears:

• Style: Buttons, checkboxes, or toggle
• Labels: Change "Yes"/"No" to custom labels (e.g., "Agree"/"Disagree")

Placeholder Text

For text input fields (Short Text, Long Text, Email, etc.), you can set placeholder text:

• In the question settings, find the "Placeholder" field
• Enter hint text (e.g., "Enter your full name" or "example@email.com")
• Placeholder text appears in light gray inside the input field
• It disappears when the user starts typing

Reordering Questions

To change the order of questions:

• Hover over the question block on the canvas
• Look for the drag handle (six dots icon)
• Click and drag the question up or down
• Release to drop it in the new position

Duplicating Questions

To quickly create similar questions:

• Click the question block
• Find the "Duplicate" button in the settings panel
• A copy of the question appears below the original
• Edit the duplicated question as needed

Deleting Questions

To remove a question:

• Click the question block
• Click the trash icon in the settings panel or on the block itself
• Confirm deletion if prompted

Question Customization Best Practices

• Be clear and specific: "What's your role?" is better than "About you?"
• Keep it short: Long questions reduce completion rates
• Use descriptions sparingly: Only when the question needs clarification
• Don't over-require: Only mark questions as required if absolutely necessary
• Test your form: Fill it out yourself to catch confusing wording