Overview on Data Collection Tools

Last updated: 15 Feb 2022

KoboToolbox allows data collection in multiple ways. Because KoboToolbox is built on the Xform/ODK standards, our forms are compatible with a number of different tools that can be used for data collection.

For Android devices, we recommend using Collect Andoid app app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and installed on any standard Android phone or tablet.

For any other devices (including iPhones, iPads, or any laptop or computer), we recommend using the webform for collecting data.

A quick rundown on the differences between the two options

 

Webforms

KoboCollect

Devices

Any mobile device or computer

Android only

Runs in…

Browser

Native Android application

Configurable

Server-wide

On each device

Default form display

All questions on the same screen

One question per screen

Data upload

Automatically when connection available

On user request or immediately if connection available

Phone-specific meta-questions (subscriberid, simserial, phonenumber)

No

Yes

barcode question type

No (except manual entry)

Yes

Different form styles

Yes

No

Encryption

Not for storage, but always during transfer

Can be enabled on-device, always during transfer

hide-input appearance for maps to hide manual GPS inputs

Yes

No

Advanced map appearance options (streets, terrain, satellite, [other])

Yes

No

Text formatting in notes and labels (bold, italics, links)

Yes

No

Combine subsequent notes into a single note on the screen

Yes

No

multiline appearance for text questions

Yes

No

horizontal-compact appearance for select-type questions

Yes

No

likert scale appearance for select-type questions

Yes

No

compact-2 appearance for select-type questions

No

Yes

no-calendar appearance

No

Yes

Advanced image appearances (annotate, draw, signature)

Yes

Yes

Calculation command repeat_count()

Set a minimum number of repeat groups

Set an exact number of repeat groups

Collecting data using KoboCollect

After deploying a project, you can go to Form - Collect data, and then select the Android application.

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For details on how to set up KoboCollect on any Android devices, read this article.

Collecting Data using the Enketo Webform

To use the webform, after deploying a project, you can go to Form - Collect data, multiple options (online or offline, single or multiple submissions) are available. The default option is Online-Offline (multiple submission).

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