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How to Add a Free-Text Comment Box to Microsoft Forms Choice Questions

Phi Hung Vo Oct 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users want to include an optional free-text comment field alongside a multiple-choice or Yes/No question in Microsoft Forms.

How to Add a Free-Text Comment Box to Microsoft Forms Choice Questions

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a survey, quiz, or feedback form where respondents need to elaborate on their multiple-choice selections.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Forms currently lacks a native feature to embed a free-text comment box directly within a choice question.

Before you start

Log in to your Microsoft 365 account and open the specific form where you want to gather additional comments from your respondents.

Solution 1Recommended

Add a Separate Text Question as a Workaround

Since a built-in comment box is not available within the choice question itself, the best method is to insert a standalone text question immediately following your choice question.

This workaround effectively captures user feedback without disrupting the flow of the form. You can also use branching logic if you only want the comment box to appear for specific answers.

Locate the target question

Open your Microsoft Form and scroll to the multiple-choice or Yes/No question where you want to add a comment field.

Add a new question

Click on the '+ Add new' button located directly below your existing choice question.

Select the Text format

Choose 'Text' from the available question types to create a free-text entry field.

Customize the prompt

Type a prompt for the new text question, such as 'Please provide any additional comments or clarify your previous answer.'

Make it optional

Ensure the 'Required' toggle switch at the bottom right of the question is turned off so that respondents are not forced to leave a comment.

Add a Separate Text Question as a Workaround

Feature Request: If you would like Microsoft to add a native comment box feature, you can submit your feedback directly through the Microsoft Forms feedback portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use branching logic to only show the comment box if a specific choice is selected?

Yes. Click the three dots (More settings) on your choice question, select 'Add branching', and configure the specific choice to jump directly to your newly created text question. Set other choices to skip the text question if a comment is unnecessary.

Is Microsoft planning to add a native comment box to choice questions?

This feature has been heavily requested by users on the Microsoft Forms feedback portal since 2019. However, Microsoft has not yet announced an official release timeline for a built-in comment box within choice questions.

Does the 'Other' option in Microsoft Forms function as a comment box?

The 'Other' option allows users to type a custom response if their preferred choice isn't listed, but it cannot be used as an additional comment field to elaborate on one of the predefined multiple-choice options.

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