Introduction to KoboToolbox

Last updated: 15 Oct 2025

KoboToolbox is an innovative open source platform for collecting, managing, and visualizing data. It is the most widely used data tool for social impact initiatives across the globe.

To learn more about how KoboToolbox supports nonprofit organizations in creating data-driven change, see About KoboToolbox: Accessible data collection for everyone.

This article introduces KoboToolbox and highlights its core functionalities. It covers key features including:

• Developing forms

• Using the question library

• Collecting data

• Managing and analyzing submissions

• Visualizing and downloading data

• Managing projects and teams

• Connecting KoboToolbox with other platforms

To get started with form building in KoboToolbox, see our Quickstart guide.

Developing forms

KoboToolbox’s intuitive Formbuilder allows users to create forms with different question types, advanced form logic, and translations. Forms can also be built and uploaded using XLSForm.

• Question types: Choose from over 25 qualitative and quantitative question types, including text, multiple choice, media, and GPS.

• Form logic: Add skip logic, calculations, and validation criteria for high quality data.

• Translations: Easily include form translations in hundreds of different languages.

• XLSForm: To create more complex forms, use XLSForm in your preferred spreadsheet software, upload to KoboToolbox, and edit directly in the KoboToolbox Formbuilder.

To get started with creating forms in KoboToolbox, see Getting started with the KoboToolbox Formbuilder.

Using the question library

Standardize data and streamline form building by creating form templates and using questions from the Public Collections library.

• My Library: Create, organize, and save custom questions and templates in your library.

• Public Collections: Use a question, block of questions, or entire form template from the Public Collections library in your form and customize it as needed. Questions and templates in the public library are contributed by other users and available to everyone.

For more information about the KoboToolbox question library, see Using the question library.

Collecting data

Collect data offline or online on any device using web forms and the KoboCollect app.

• Web forms: KoboToolbox uses the open source software Enketo web forms to collect data from any internet browser. Web forms can be used on laptops, desktops, or mobile devices, online or offline.

• KoboCollect: Use the KoboCollect Android app to collect data on mobile devices. Forms can be downloaded to KoboCollect from a KoboToolbox account for offline data collection. Data collected in KoboCollect can then be uploaded to KoboToolbox. Download the KoboCollect app for free from Google Play.

To learn more about using mobile devices for data collection, see Recommended devices for data collection.

Managing and analyzing data

Ensure data quality and generate insights using flexible table views and qualitative data features built into the KoboToolbox platform.

• Table views: Customize views, display data in multiple languages, and validate submissions in real time.

• Automated transcription and translation: Use automated features to transcribe and translate audio responses and qualitative data.

• Qualitative analysis: Use qualitative analysis features to identify themes and patterns in audio responses.

Visualizing and downloading data

KoboToolbox makes it easy to identify and share insights with reports, data visualization, and download options.

• Custom reports: Visualize data with custom reports and interactive maps.

• Download data: Download and export data in multiple formats, including XLS, CSV, KML, ZIP, and GeoJSON.

Managing projects and teams

Easily manage one survey or hundreds with KoboToolbox’s project management features, including project monitoring, sharing permissions, and case management.

• Project overview: Monitor incoming submissions, account access, and project activity.

• Sharing permissions: Share projects with team members and control who can submit, view, and edit data by setting different user-level permissions.

• Case management: Link projects using dynamic data attachments to collect and manage longitudinal data.

• Team management: Centralize project and user management for improved oversight and collaboration across large, distributed teams.

Connecting KoboToolbox with other platforms

Connect project data across different platforms and integrate KoboToolbox data with other software such as Excel and Power BI.

• KoboToolbox API: Use the application programming interface (API) to build interactive dashboards and visualize data with other software.

• Synchronous exports: Share data across different applications without downloading any files using synchronous exports.

• REST services: Connect your project to external programs using REST services.