---
url: "https://questionstar.com/help/question-types/available-question-types/"
title: "Available question types"
description: "An overview of every question type in QUESTIONSTAR — including choice questions, matrix, scales, file upload, heatmaps, signature and more."
lastmod: "2026-07-08"
type: "help"
---

# Available question types

QUESTIONSTAR offers a wide range of question types to help you build all kinds of survey scenarios professionally — from classic choice questions through matrix and scale questions to specialized formats like file upload, heatmaps or code scanners.

This article gives you an overview of all available question types and their typical uses — each with a short explanation, so you can quickly find the right type for your survey.

## Info Block

(Used to display texts, instructions or visual dividers — ideal for notes, introductions or section headings within the questionnaire)

## Single Choice

(Respondents select one answer option)

- **Vertical, Left** – Classic radio-button list, checkbox to the left of the text
- **Vertical, Right** – Radio buttons to the right of the text — useful for long answer texts
- **Horizontal** – Space-saving, ideal for a few answer options
- **Rows** – Options shown in individual row blocks — easy to read
- **Columns** – Options displayed side by side in columns — helpful with many answer fields

## Multiple Choice

(Multiple answer options selectable)

- **Vertical, Left** – Classic checkbox list with boxes on the left
- **Vertical, Right** – Checkbox to the right of the answer text
- **Horizontal** – Space-saving, clear with a few answer options
- **Rows** – Checkboxes in individual rows — especially good for long answer texts
- **Columns** – Options in columns side by side — useful with many categories

## Text Input

(Open text entry by respondents)

- **Single Line** – Short free-text answer (e.g. name, email, place)
- **Multiple Lines (Essay)** – For longer texts such as comments or explanations
- **Form** – Several structured fields, e.g. first name / last name / street, etc.

## Matrix

(Several items are rated using the same answer scale)

- **Simple Matrix** – Classic matrix with one scale for all rows
- **Side by Side Matrix** – Rating across several dimensions side by side (e.g. importance & satisfaction)
- **Semantic Differential** – Scale with opposite poles, e.g. "simple" vs. "complicated"

## Dropdown Select

(Respondents choose one option from a dropdown menu)

Ideal when there are many answer options to choose from — it saves space and keeps the questionnaire compact.

## Autocomplete

(Entry with a suggestion function — especially useful with long lists)

- **Single Choice** – Respondents choose one option from suggestions
- **Multiple Choice** – Several options can be selected one after another (similar to tagging systems)

## Sliders & Graphic Scales

(Visual rating or positioning on a scale)

- **Sliders** – Classic slider from, e.g., 0 to 100
- **Gradient Sliders** – Color gradient along the scale — helpful for emotional assessments
- **Bars** – Visually reinforced slider with a filled bar display
- **Ratings** – Symbol-based rating (e.g. 1–5 stars)
- **Emotions** – Selection via emojis or facial expressions — for intuitive mood queries

## Ranking

(Drag-and-drop sorting)

Arranging a list — respondents sort items by their personal priority or order.

## Constant Sum

(Distributing a fixed point value across several options)

- **Form (text fields)** – Respondents enter numbers manually (e.g. points or percentages)
- **Sliders** – Visual distribution via a slider per option
- **Bars** – Display of the point distribution as colored bars
- **Gradient Sliders** – Color-supported display for orientation
- **Ratings** – Distribution via pictorial elements (e.g. stars or other symbols)

## Heatmap

(Image-based selection)

Respondents click on specific areas of an image — useful for usability tests, design feedback or product photos.

## File Upload

(Respondents can upload files)

e.g. existing documents or photos. On mobile devices, a direct camera upload is also possible, e.g. for meter readings, damage photos or signed forms.

## Signature & Drawing

(Entering a digital signature)

Respondents sign directly in the questionnaire — e.g. for consent statements or confirmations.

## Custom HTML/CSS/JS

(Freely designable question module for special cases)

Ideal for custom embeds, logic tests, timers, iFrames, etc.

## QR & Barcode Reader

(QR or barcodes can be scanned directly with the smartphone camera — alternatively, you can upload a photo of the code, e.g. of product, event or respondent codes)