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Configuring a Formatted Text Question

A Formatted Text question allows users to enter rich text responses using formatting options such as bold text, italics, bullet lists, numbered lists, hyperlinks, and other text formatting tools.

This question type is ideal when users need to provide detailed responses that may benefit from additional formatting and structure.

Adding a Formatted Text Question

  1. Navigate to the desired section of your form.

  2. Select Add Question.

  3. Select Formatted Text from the Question Type dropdown.

  4. Configure the available settings.

  5. Select Save.

Configuration Options

Question Text

The question or prompt displayed to users.

Example:

  • Please describe your project in detail.

  • Provide a summary of your research experience.

  • Outline your mentorship goals.

Best Practice: Use clear instructions when requesting longer or more structured responses.

Character Count

Sets the maximum number of characters users can enter.

Example Uses:

  • 1,000-character project summary

  • 2,500-character personal statement

  • 5,000-character research proposal

Tip: Leave this value as 0 if you do not want to restrict the length of the response.

Mandatory Field

Determines whether users must complete the question before submitting.

Enabled

  • Users must provide a response.

Disabled

  • Users may leave the question unanswered.

Required for Draft Submission

Determines whether users must complete the question before saving a submission as a draft.

Enabled

  • Users cannot save a draft without providing a response.

Disabled

  • Users can save a draft and return later.

Note: This setting is generally best reserved for critical information required early in the submission process.

Required Field Message

The message displayed when a user attempts to submit without completing a required question.

Example Messages:

  • Please enter a response.

  • This field is required.

  • A response must be provided before continuing.

Help Hover Text

Additional instructions displayed when users hover over the help icon.

Example Uses:

  • Use headings and bullet points to organize your response.

  • Include links to relevant resources if applicable.

  • Provide as much detail as possible.

Best Practice: Use Help Hover Text to communicate formatting expectations or evaluation criteria.

Hide Question From Reviewers

Determines whether reviewers can view the question and response.

Enabled

  • The question and response are hidden from reviewers.

Disabled

  • Reviewers can view the question and response.

Common Uses:

  • Internal administrative notes

  • Workflow-related information

  • Information not intended for evaluation

Hide Question From Submitters

Determines whether submitters can view the question.

Enabled

  • The question is hidden from submitters.

  • The question can still be viewed and completed by administrators, if applicable.

Disabled

  • The question is visible to submitters.

Important: When using an E-Reference question type, this setting must be enabled. E-Reference questions are intended to be completed by reference providers and should not be visible to applicants.

Common Uses:

  • E-Reference questions

  • Internal administrator-only fields

  • Workflow tracking information

  • Administrative notes

Formatting Capabilities

Users can format their responses using the available text editor tools.

Depending on your platform configuration, formatting options may include:

  • Bold text

  • Italic text

  • Underlined text

  • Bulleted lists

  • Numbered lists

  • Hyperlinks

  • Text alignment

  • Other rich text formatting options

Note: Available formatting options may vary depending on system configuration.

Common Use Cases

Formatted Text questions are commonly used for:

  • Personal Statements

  • Research Summaries

  • Project Descriptions

  • Mentorship Goals

  • Program Narratives

  • Long-Form Application Responses

  • Strategic Plans

Formatted Text vs. Multi-Line Text

Question Type

Best Used For

Multi-Line Text

Standard long-form responses without formatting requirements.

Formatted Text

Responses that may benefit from formatting such as headings, lists, hyperlinks, or structured content.

If users do not need formatting tools, consider using a Multi-Line Text question instead.

Best Practices

  • Use Formatted Text when applicants may need to organize complex information.

  • Set a Character Count limit when response length should be controlled.

  • Clearly communicate formatting expectations in the Question Text or Help Hover Text.

  • Consider whether formatting is necessary before choosing this question type, as Multi-Line Text may provide a simpler user experience.

  • Review responses periodically to ensure formatting is displaying as expected during the review process.