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Configuring a Multi-Line Text Question

A Multi-Line Text question allows users to enter longer, more detailed responses. This question type is ideal for essays, personal statements, project descriptions, and other narrative responses.

Adding a Multi-Line Text Question
  1. Navigate to the desired section of your form.
  2. Select Add Question.
  3. Select Multi-Line 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 academic achievements.
  • Explain how receiving this award will impact your future goals.
  • Describe your project and its intended outcomes.

How to Limit the Field Size

Determines whether the response limit is measured by Word Count or Character Count.

Word Count

Limits responses based on the number of words entered.

Example Uses:

  • 250-word essay
  • 500-word personal statement
  • 1,000-word project proposal

Character Count

Limits responses based on the number of characters entered.

Example Uses:

  • 500-character summary
  • 1,000-character biography
  • Short-answer responses

Tip: Word Count is typically recommended for essays and narrative responses, while Character Count is useful for shorter, structured answers.

Word Count / Character Count Limit

Sets the maximum number of words or characters users can enter, depending on the selected limit type.

Examples:

  • 250 words
  • 500 words
  • 2,000 characters

Tip: Leave the value as 0 if you do not want to enforce a limit.

Mandatory Field

Determines whether users must complete the question before submitting.

Enabled

  • Users must provide a response.

Disabled

  • Users may leave the question blank.

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 answering the question.

Disabled

  • Users can save a draft and return later to complete the question.

Note: This setting should be used sparingly, as longer response questions are often completed later in the submission process.

Required Field Message

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

Example Messages:

  • This question is required.
  • Please provide a response before continuing.
  • An essay response is required for submission.

Help Hover Text

Additional instructions displayed when users hover over the help icon.

Example Uses:

  • Responses must be between 250 and 500 words.
  • Include specific examples where possible.
  • Do not include personally identifiable information.

Best Practice: Use Help Hover Text to provide guidance, evaluation criteria, or formatting requirements without cluttering the form.

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
  • Information not required during evaluation
  • Workflow-related responses

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

Best Practices

  • Use Multi-Line Text for responses that require detailed explanations.
  • Use Word Count limits for essays and personal statements.
  • Use Character Count limits for shorter written responses.
  • Clearly communicate response expectations within the question text or Help Hover Text.
  • Avoid making lengthy essay questions required for draft submissions unless absolutely necessary.
  • Consider providing suggested word counts to help users understand the expected level of detail.