How to Add a Custom Text Option in Microsoft Forms Multiple-Choice Questions
Question details
The user wants to allow respondents to provide a custom text answer when none of the predefined multiple-choice options apply in a Microsoft Forms survey.
- Product
- Microsoft Forms
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a survey or quiz where respondents need an 'Other' option with a dedicated text field to elaborate on their answer.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Forms does not allow respondents to enter custom text directly within a standard multiple-choice option, requiring a workaround to capture custom responses.
Ensure you are logged into Microsoft 365 and have editor permissions for the form you want to modify.
Use Branching to Collect Custom Text for an 'Other' Option
Since Microsoft Forms doesn't support direct text input within a choice option, use branching logic to direct users to a separate text question if they select 'Other'.
This is the standard workaround for collecting custom text in Microsoft Forms. It involves creating a follow-up question that only appears when a specific choice is selected.
Open your Microsoft Form, select your multiple-choice question, and add a choice titled 'Other'.
Click 'Add new' and create a 'Text' question immediately after the multiple-choice question. Ask respondents to specify their custom answer here.
Click the multiple-choice question to select it, then click the three dots (More settings for question) in the bottom right corner of the question box, and select 'Add branching'.
Next to the 'Other' option, set the dropdown to jump to your newly created Text question. For all other options, set the dropdown to jump to the next standard question in your form.
Use Microsoft Power Apps for Fully Dynamic Options
If you need respondents' custom answers to be dynamically added to the permanent choice list for future users, you must use Power Apps.
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- 1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a text box directly inside a multiple-choice option in Microsoft Forms?
No, Microsoft Forms does not natively support an integrated text box within a choice option. You must use the branching method to direct users to a separate text question.
Can Power Automate dynamically update choice options in a form?
No, Power Automate cannot dynamically alter the structure or available options of a Microsoft Form. You would need to use Microsoft Power Apps for dynamic data collection.
How will custom text answers appear when I export form results to Excel?
Because the custom text requires a separate follow-up question, the standard multiple-choice answers and the custom text answers will appear in two separate columns in your exported Excel spreadsheet.
