Question types in XLSForm

Last updated: 25 Nov 2025

When adding questions to an XLSForm, you’ll need to choose the appropriate question type. The question type will depend on the kind of information you want to collect: some question types are more suited for text, others for numbers, dates, or multiple choice inputs.

The question type in XLSForm is entered in the type column of the survey worksheet. Always use the exact spelling and letter case. You can add additional appearances to most question types to modify their display or functionality.

Note: While XLSForm is fully integrated within KoboToolbox, some question types have different names and functionalities in the Formbuilder than they do in XLSForm.

This article covers available question types in XLSForm, including their descriptions and Formbuilder equivalents. Links are provided at the end of each section for more information on question type functionalities and appearances during data collection.

To learn more about building forms in XLSForm, see Getting started with XLSForm.

Select question types

Select questions allow respondents to choose from predefined options. For select_one, select_multiple, and rank questions, option choices are defined in the choices worksheet of the XLSForm.

XLSForm type	Description	Formbuilder equivalent
select_one	Allows respondents to select one option from a predefined list.	Select One
select_multiple	Allows respondents to select multiple options from a predefined list.	Select Many
rank	Allows respondents to rank items or options in a choice list.	Ranking
acknowledge	A single checkbox that respondents can select to acknowledge their agreement with a statement.	Acknowledge
select_one_from_file	Allows respondents to select one option from a predefined list, stored in an external CSV file.	Select One From External File
select_multiple_from_file	Allows respondents to select multiple options from a predefined list, stored in an external CSV file.	Select Many From External File

To learn more about select question types in KoboToolbox, see Select One and Select Many question types, Rating vs Ranking question types, Acknowledge question type, and Select One or Many From External File question types.

Numeric question types

Numeric questions are used to collect whole numbers, decimal numbers, or values within a specified range.

XLSForm type	Description	Formbuilder equivalent
integer	Allows respondents to input whole numbers.	Number
decimal	Allows respondents to input numbers that may contain decimal points.	Decimal
range	Allows respondents to select a numeric value within a specified range constrained by minimum and maximum values, configured in the parameters column.	Range

To learn more about numeric question types in KoboToolbox, see Number, Decimal, and Range question types.

Text and note question types

Text questions are used to collect open-ended responses, while note questions provide information or give instructions to respondents.

XLSForm type	Description	Formbuilder equivalent
text	Provides a text box to collect open-ended responses when choices cannot be easily predefined, such as names, opinions, or detailed descriptions.	Text
note	Provides information to the respondent without requiring any input, such as instructions or explanations.	Note

To learn more about text and note question types in KoboToolbox, see Text and Note question types.

Media question types

Media questions allow respondents to upload or record images, audio, and video files, or to scan barcodes directly into their forms.

XLSForm type	Description	Formbuilder equivalent
image	Allows respondents to upload images or take photos when using the KoboCollect app. The quality of image files can be adjusted in the parameters column.	Photo
audio	Allows respondents to upload an audio file or record audio as a response to a specific question. The quality of audio files can be adjusted in the parameters column.	Audio
video	Allows respondents to upload videos or record videos when using the KoboCollect app.	Video
file	Allows respondents to upload files, such as text files, spreadsheets, and PDF files. Accepted file types can be restricted by specifying file extensions in the body::accept column (e.g., .pdf, .docx).	File
barcode	Scans a QR code to collect embedded information using the device’s camera in KoboCollect.	Barcode
background-audio	Collects audio continuously while the form is open. Audio recording begins when the form is opened and continues until the form is closed.	Background Audio Recording

To learn more about media question types in KoboToolbox, see Media question types, Barcode/QR code question type, and Recording interviews using background audio recording.

GPS question types

GPS questions are used to capture the geographic coordinates of a location, path, or area directly within your forms.

XLSForm type	Description	Formbuilder equivalent
geopoint	Collects a single geographic location, such as the coordinates of a specific school, clinic, or house. Default accuracy and warning accuracy can be configured in the parameters column.	Point
geotrace	Records multiple GPS points that form a line, for example to track a path, trace a route, or map a drain.	Line
geoshape	Collects points that form an enclosed area, such as a plot of land or a field.	Area

To learn more about GPS question types in KoboToolbox, see GPS question types.

Date and time question types

Date and time questions are used to capture specific calendar dates, times, or both in a single response.

XLSForm type	Description	Formbuilder equivalent
date	Captures a specific calendar date, typically in the format of day, month, and year.	Date
time	Captures a specific time in hours and minutes.	Time
datetime	Captures both a date and a time in a single combined response.	Date and Time

To learn more about date and time questions in KoboToolbox, see Date and Time question types.

Calculate and hidden question types

Calculate and hidden questions are used to perform automatic calculations within a form based on previous responses or to store predefined values.

XLSForm type	Description	Formbuilder equivalent
calculate	Automatically performs calculations within a form based on responses to previous questions.	Calculate
hidden	Stores predefined values that are not visible to the respondent. The value is stored in the default column.	Hidden

To learn more about calculations in the Formbuilder, see Calculate question type. To learn more about calculations in XLSForm, see Adding calculations in XLSForm.

For hands-on practice with different question types XLSForm, see KoboToolbox Academy's XLSForm Fundamentals Course.