Question Types
Each question on a form corresponds to a column in the linked table. When someone submits the form, their answer is stored in that column. The available question types cover the most common data formats used in field research and data collection.
Text types
Short (single-line text)
A single-line text input. Use this for short answers such as names, codes, or brief notes. You can set minimum and maximum character counts, and minimum and maximum word counts, in the question's expanded configuration panel.
Paragraph (multi-line text)
A multi-line text area for longer responses - notes, descriptions, or observations that need more space than a single line. You can set a maximum character count.
JSON
A text area that accepts JSON-formatted data. The input is validated against JSON syntax before the form can be submitted. Use this when you need to collect structured or nested data in a single field.
Numeric types
Number
A numeric input field. Accepts integers or decimal values. You can set minimum and maximum values in the question properties to restrict the range of accepted answers.
Choice types
Dropdown
A selection field where the person picks one option from a predefined list. Options are managed in the form builder. If you enable Allow new items, respondents can also type a custom value that is not in the list.
Multi-Radio
A radio button list where the respondent chooses exactly one option. Use this when you want the choices to be visible all at once rather than hidden in a dropdown.
Multi-Checkbox
A checkbox list where the respondent can select any number of options. Use this for "select all that apply" questions.
Yes / No
A simple boolean toggle. Use this for true/false or yes/no questions - for example, "Was the specimen collected?"
Date and time types
Date
A date picker. The respondent selects a date from a calendar. Useful for recording observation dates, collection dates, or deadlines.
Time
A time picker. The respondent selects a time of day. Useful when you need to record when an event occurred.
Location type
Location
Captures GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude). When filling in a Location question:
An interactive map is displayed - tap or click anywhere on the map to place a marker. The latitude and longitude fields update automatically.
Click Use Current Position to use the device's GPS to place the marker at your current location.
Toggle Edit coordinates to switch to manual entry mode, where you can type the latitude and longitude values directly.
On mobile, Location questions can also be presented as an icon button that opens a full-screen location modal. Click Done to confirm the coordinates, or Close to cancel.
A Location question links to a single column in the table. The stored value is a comma-separated latitude,longitude string (e.g. 62.0355,129.6753). To store latitude and longitude separately, use two Number questions instead.
Media and file types
File Upload
A file upload field. Respondents can attach images, videos, audio recordings, or general files. Uploaded files are stored in your project's Storage - make sure your project has storage configured before using this question type.
When filling in a File Upload question, the following buttons appear:
File icon
Opens the device's native file picker to select any file
Camera icon
Opens the device camera to take a photo
Video icon
Opens a video recording modal
Mic icon
Records an audio clip using the device microphone
"more"
Opens the general upload modal with all options
After a file is uploaded:
Each uploaded file appears in the list with a clickable link or thumbnail. Clicking it opens the file in a new tab.
An external link icon opens the file in a new tab when you are online.
A trash icon removes that specific file from the upload.
The Clear button (danger) removes all uploaded files for the question at once.
In the form builder, File Upload questions have a File Path configuration (visible when creating the linked column). This sets where uploaded files are stored in your project's Storage. You can use dynamic path templates to organise files automatically - see Super: Programmatic Access for details.
QR Code
Opens the device camera to scan a QR code or barcode. The scanned value is stored as text in the linked column. The camera preview opens automatically and reads codes without requiring a button press.
QR Code questions are useful for:
Tracking plant or sample specimens tagged with QR code labels
Scanning equipment serial numbers
Recording batch or lot codes in field data collection
QR Code questions require camera permission on the device. The code is read automatically when the camera detects it - no shutter button is needed.
Auto-filled types
User Info
Automatically fills in details about the logged-in user (such as their name or user ID). Respondents cannot edit this field - it is filled in by the platform. Use it to record who submitted each response.
Device Info
Automatically fills in metadata about the device being used (such as device type or browser). Respondents cannot edit this field. Useful for audit trails and diagnosing submission issues.
Display types
Markdown
A display-only content block - not a question and not stored in the table. Use it to add instructions, headings, or formatted text between questions. Supports standard Markdown formatting.
Lookup type
Lookup
Lets the respondent search for and select a record from another table in your project. There are two modes:
Search mode - a type-ahead search field opens. The respondent starts typing and matching records from the linked table appear. Click a result to select it.
Direct entry mode - the respondent types the exact primary key value of the record they want to link.
When setting up a Lookup question in the form builder, you choose which table to look up from, which column holds the stored value (the key), and which column is displayed to the respondent.
Structured data types
Tabular
Lets the respondent enter multiple rows of structured data - like a small table within the form. Each row has a set of column inputs defined in the form builder. Use Add Row to add more rows and Remove to delete a row.
Tabular columns support Dropdown type inputs, so individual cells within a tabular question can present a predefined choice list to the respondent.
Question properties
Every question has a set of properties that control how it behaves. These are set in the form builder when editing a question.
Required
Makes the question mandatory. The form cannot be submitted without a valid answer to a required question. Required fields are marked with a visual indicator when the form is filled in.
Hidden
Hides the question from the person filling in the form. The question is not visible, but it is still part of the form and its value is still submitted. Use Hidden questions for:
Metadata fields you want to collect automatically without prompting the respondent - for example, a default value set to today's date, or a fixed site identifier.
URL-prefilled values - combine Hidden with a URL Query Param Key so the field is silently populated from the link the respondent opened (e.g.
?site=plot-42).Locked auto-values - combine Hidden with Locked and a Default value to create a fully automated field the respondent never sees or changes.
Hidden fields are hidden in the form UI, but their values are still part of every submission. Do not use Hidden to store sensitive information you do not want in your table.
Locked
Prevents respondents from changing the pre-filled value. A locked question is visible but not editable. Use it when you want to display a value (such as the observer's name) without letting the respondent modify it.
Expanded configuration panel
Click the cog icon on a question card to open its expanded configuration panel:
URL Query Param Key - if you enter a key here, the field is pre-filled automatically when the form URL includes a matching query parameter. For example, if you set the key to
site, then opening the form at.../form/abc?site=Site+Alphawill pre-fill this question withSite Alpha. Works with both visible and Hidden questions.Default value - a value pre-filled when the form loads. The respondent can change it unless the question is also Locked.
Icon Type / Icon Text - only relevant when using the Icons and Text form layout.
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