The survey builder is the fastest way to collect structured feedback from testers. You drag a question type from the left side of the builder into your survey, then write the question and its answers. This article lists every type you can add and explains when each one is worth using.
Types are grouped into two lists in the left pane, under the heading Drag & Drop Tasks/Questions. Base Question Types are blank question types that you write yourself. Core Question Bank entries drop in a ready made question, such as an NPS scale, that you can then edit like any other question.
Some types depend on your plan or on the type of test you are building, so your builder may not show every type listed here. Where that is the case, it is called out below.
Base question types
Short Text Response
A single line answer. Best for quick, specific responses, such as:
What three words come to mind when you use this product?
What is the most you would pay per month for this app?
Write a tagline we could use in our marketing.
Long Text Response
A multi line answer for open ended feedback. Use it when you want testers to explain their thinking, describe what confused them, or suggest improvements in their own words. This is your best source of qualitative detail.
Multiple Choice
The most popular question type, because the results are easy to read at a glance. With multiple choice you can:
Add as many answer options as you need.
Check Use checkboxes to allow multiple answers to let testers pick more than one option. Leave it unchecked for a single answer.
Check Allow an "Other" text-based response so testers can type an option you did not list.
Use the gear icon to turn on Randomize order, which shuffles the options for each tester and reduces order bias.
Use the gear icon to turn on Limit selections when multiple answers are allowed, then set a Max. Testers see how many they may pick, and the remaining options gray out once they hit the limit.
Ranking
Ask testers to put a set of options in order, for example ranking a list of features from most useful to least useful. Results are scored so you get a single ordered list across all testers.
Under the gear icon you can also turn on Rank top N only and set N, and turn on Tap to rank (no dragging). Asking testers for their top picks with ranking and selection limits explains when to use each of those options.
Scale
A rating scale for quantitative data. You choose the range and interval testers can pick from, and the labels for each end of the scale. Scale answers are charted as a distribution, and they can also be used to trigger show/hide logic on later questions.
Matrix
A grid that asks testers to rate several statements against one shared answer scale, in a single question. Use it when you would otherwise add five or six near identical rating questions in a row. Ask several ratings at once with a matrix question covers the row formats, settings, and results in full.
Matrix questions require the Matrix Questions feature, so they may not be available on your account. They can also be enabled on an individual test. Matrix questions can be added to regular surveys only.
Semantic differential
If your account has the Matrix Questions feature, the Core Question Bank also includes two ready made semantic differential matrices:
Product Perception, which rates your product on opposing word pairs such as cheap and premium.
UI Impression, which rates the interface on opposing word pairs such as cluttered and clean.
Both drop in as a matrix question with the row format already set to opposing word pairs, and you can edit every pair.
Accept File Upload
Ask testers to upload a file, such as a screenshot, a photo, or a video recording of them using your product.
Provide Dynamic Data
Sends different data to each tester. Add one record per line, and each tester who is accepted into the test receives one record. Common uses are:
Distributing a unique promo code or account credential to each tester.
Assigning testers to different groups.
Providing test credit card numbers so testers can simulate a purchase.
Add at least twice as many lines as the number of testers you expect to complete the test, so you have spares if you replace or add testers mid test.
Task and Text / Intro
These types add instructions rather than collecting an answer. A Task item is available in Multi-Session tests and in Single Session tests that use the advanced workflow. In research survey tests the equivalent item is called Text / Intro and is used for section introductions and context.
Core question bank
These are pre written questions that you drag in and edit. The standard entries are:
Net Promoter Score (NPS), a scale question using the standard NPS wording.
Customer Effort (CES), a scale question measuring how hard something was to do.
Customer Satisfaction (CSAT), a multiple choice satisfaction question.
Star Rating (1-5), a simple five point multiple choice rating.
Verify Participation (3 items), which adds three questions at once to confirm that a tester genuinely used your product.
Entries that depend on your test type
Multi-Session tests, and Single Session tests using the advanced workflow, also offer:
Usability Video, a file upload configured for screen or session recordings.
Selfie Video, a file upload configured for a tester facing recording.
Bug Report Instructions, a task that explains how to report issues.
Distribute Promo Codes, a dynamic data item set up for code distribution.
Things to know
You can add the same type as many times as you like, and reorder questions by dragging them.
Most types can be marked as required. Open the gear icon on a question and check Require answer.
You can attach images, mock ups, or PDFs to any question so testers see them alongside it, as described in Creating high quality surveys.
Multiple choice and scale questions can trigger show/hide logic on later questions, and multiple choice questions can also drive skip logic. See Create branching, show/hide, and skip logic in survey questions.
If a type you expect is missing, it is usually because it depends on your test type or because the feature is not enabled on your account. Contact your BetaTesting representative if you need it turned on.