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How to Customize the 'Other' Option in Microsoft Forms

Ayan Masood Oct 16, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to change the default text displayed for the 'Other' response field in a Microsoft Forms multiple-choice question.

How to Customize the 'Other' Option Text in Microsoft Forms

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a survey or form with multiple-choice questions where respondents need to provide custom input under a specifically named category.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Forms provides a default 'Other' option that includes a text field, but does not natively allow the form creator to edit or rename the word 'Other' itself.

Before you start

Review your survey goals to determine if you simply need respondents to provide extra details or if you require them to answer a completely different, highly specific prompt.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Separate Text Question as a Workaround

Since Microsoft Forms does not allow direct renaming of the 'Other' label, adding a manually named choice paired with a dedicated text question is the most effective workaround.

By utilizing branching logic and separate text questions, you can fully control the phrasing of your options and the instructions given to the respondent.

Add a custom choice manually

In your multiple-choice question, click 'Add option' and type your desired custom label (e.g., 'Please specify your preference') instead of clicking the built-in 'Add "Other" option' button.

Create a new text question

Click 'Add new' below your multiple-choice question and select 'Text' to create a new field for respondents to elaborate.

Add specific instructions

Type your customized prompt into the title or subtitle of this new text question to guide the user on what to enter.

Apply branching logic

Click the three dots (More settings) on the multiple-choice question, select 'Add branching', and direct users who chose your custom option to the newly created text question.

Use a Separate Text Question as a Workaround

Tip: Branching ensures that only the users who select your custom choice will be prompted to fill out the accompanying text question, keeping the form clean for other respondents.

Solution 2

Enable the Default 'Other' Option

If you do not strictly need to change the word 'Other' and just need a text box, use the built-in feature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the default 'Other' text field mandatory in Microsoft Forms?

No, the built-in 'Other' option's text field cannot be made mandatory independently. If you need a mandatory response, you must use a separate text question and toggle the 'Required' switch on.

How do I remove the 'Other' option if I added it by mistake?

Simply click on the multiple-choice question to edit it, hover your mouse over the 'Other' option in the list, and click the trash can (Delete) icon that appears to the right of it.

Does branching logic work with the default 'Other' option?

No, Microsoft Forms branching logic only applies to defined, specific choices you have manually entered. If you need to route respondents based on an unlisted answer, you must create a separate text question instead of using the default 'Other'.

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