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How to Create a Dropdown and Comment Box in Microsoft Forms

Rana Garcia Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to combine a dropdown selection and a text comment box within a single prompt in a survey or form.

How to Create a Dropdown and Comment Box in Microsoft Forms

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Designing a survey where respondents must select an option from a dropdown menu and then provide additional context or comments based on their selection.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Forms does not natively support combining a dropdown choice and a free-text comment box in the exact same question field.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft 365 account, have Microsoft Forms open in your web browser, and have started a new or existing form.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Branching to Connect a Dropdown and a Text Question

Since Microsoft Forms cannot combine both inputs into one question, you can use a Choice question formatted as a dropdown, followed by a Text question linked via branching logic.

Branching allows you to control the flow of your survey. By creating two separate questions and linking them, respondents will experience a seamless transition from selecting a dropdown option to typing their comments.

Create the Dropdown Question

Click 'Add new' and select 'Choice'. Enter your question and all the desired options. Click the three dots (More settings for question) at the bottom right of the question card and select 'Drop-down'.

Create the Comment Box Question

Click 'Add new' again and select 'Text'. Phrase this question to prompt for comments, such as 'Please provide additional details based on your selection'.

Enable Branching Logic

Click on your dropdown question to make it active, click the three dots at the bottom right, and select 'Add branching'. You will be taken to the branching settings page.

Configure the Branching Paths

Next to each dropdown option, click the 'Go to' dropdown menu and select the Text question you created for the comments. This ensures selecting an option directs the user straight to the comment box.

Use Branching to Connect a Dropdown and a Text Question

Testing Your Form: Always click the 'Preview' button at the top of the screen to test your branching logic and ensure respondents are correctly routed to the comment box.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the comment box optional while the dropdown choice is required?

Yes. You can turn on the 'Required' toggle switch for the initial Choice (dropdown) question, and leave the 'Required' toggle switched off for the subsequent Text (comment) question.

Why isn't the branching option appearing on my dropdown question?

Branching is only available from the 'More settings' menu after you have added at least one subsequent question to your form. Ensure your text question is already created before attempting to set up branching.

Can I direct different dropdown choices to different comment boxes?

Yes. When configuring the branching logic, you can map each individual dropdown option to a completely different text question, allowing you to tailor the comment prompt based on what the user selected.

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