Preset fill content
About this article: This guide explains how to configure preset fill-in options and placeholder text for matrix questions when Allow fill-in is enabled. It helps you standardize supplemental responses and improve data quality.
Overview
For matrix radio, matrix rating, and matrix checkbox questions, you can enable Allow fill-in on a column so respondents can add text after selecting that column. Once enabled, you can set placeholder text and preset fill-in options: predefined choices shown in a dropdown, with an optional setting to let respondents enter custom text.
Use cases
- A matrix column needs supplemental comments (e.g., "Other, please specify") with answers drawn from a controlled list for easier analysis.
- International surveys that need placeholder text and guided or limited fill-in choices.
- Common presets for quick selection, while still allowing some respondents to type their own answer when you enable custom input.
Supported question types
This feature is available for:
- Matrix Radio
- Matrix Checkbox
- Matrix Rating
Feature access
1. In the survey editor, add or select a matrix radio, matrix rating, and matrix checkbox question.
2. For the column that should accept supplemental text, check Allow Comments for that column.
3. After checking, Preset fill-in and Prompt appear for that column. Configure each as needed.
Set placeholder text
1. Click Prompt to open the settings dialog.
2. The dialog title shows which column heading you are configuring, so you do not mix up columns when several allow fill-in.
3. Enter the hint shown inside the fill-in field (e.g., "Please specify"), then save.
Set preset fill-in options
1. Click Preset fill-in to open the settings dialog.
2. The dialog title indicates which column heading you are setting presets for.
3. Below the title, helper text explains: Preset fill-in options are available for respondents to select; enter one option per line. Enter each preset on its own line.
4. At the bottom left of the dialog: Allow respondents to enter custom fill-in text (unchecked by default):
- Unchecked: Respondents can only pick from your preset dropdown list.
- Checked: Respondents can pick a preset or type custom text in the field.
5. Save the dialog, then click Done (or Finish editing) on the question to save the full question.
Respondent experience
When a respondent selects an option in a column with Allow fill-in enabled, a fill-in field appears:
- If placeholder text is set, it appears inside the field.
- If preset fill-in is configured, they can open the dropdown and choose a preset.
- If Allow respondents to enter custom fill-in text is enabled, they can also type freely; otherwise only dropdown selection is allowed.
After responses are collected
Once respondents submit the survey, their matrix answers—including any fill-in text—are saved with the response. When you open individual response details (response-by-response view), you will see:
- The option or column choice the respondent selected for each matrix row.
- The fill-in content they entered or chose for columns with Allow Comments enabled—whether they picked a preset from the dropdown or typed custom text (if you allowed custom input).
This lets you review and export complete answers in one place, without losing the supplemental text tied to the selected option.
Important notes
1. Preset fill-in and Placeholder text are configured per column. When multiple columns allow fill-in, open each dialog and confirm the column name in the title.
2. Enter one preset per line. Do not put multiple options on one line separated by commas.
3. To restrict answers to presets only, leave Allow respondents to enter custom fill-in text unchecked.
4. Button and menu labels may vary by product version; if they differ from this article, follow the in-product wording.
FAQs
Q: Which matrix types support preset fill-in?
A: Matrix scale, matrix single choice, and matrix multiple choice. Enable Allow fill-in on the column first.
Q: How is this different from "Selectable fill-in content" on choice questions?
A: Selectable fill-in content applies to options on single/multiple choice questions. Matrix preset fill-in applies to columns and works with column placeholder text and the custom-input toggle.
Q: If custom input is disabled, can respondents type answers not in the list?
A: No. They can only select from your preset dropdown.
Q: Must I set both placeholder text and presets?
A: No. They are independent—you can set either or both.
Important Notes
- Supported: Matrix scale, matrix single choice, matrix multiple choice. Check Allow fill-in on a column to see Preset fill-in and Placeholder text.
- Presets: dialog title shows the column; one option per line; dropdown only by default.
- Enable Allow respondents to enter custom fill-in text for dropdown plus free typing.
- Placeholder dialog title also shows the column heading for multi-column setups.
