---
title: Create Surveys
description: Create Formbricks surveys inside BabelBird folders, edit and preview questions, publish response links and collect anonymous feedback, with guidance on logic, results and exports.
slug: survey-create
lang: en
category: Product Features
category_order: 2
order: 4
keywords:
  - create survey
  - questionnaire
  - Formbricks
  - anonymous survey
  - link survey
  - survey publishing
  - satisfaction survey
  - survey results
---

# Create Surveys

BabelBird lets you create surveys inside folders, design questions in the embedded Formbricks editor and publish a link for respondents. Anonymous responses are supported, making surveys useful for training evaluations, employee suggestions, customer satisfaction and project feedback.

A survey appears in the drive as a `.survey` file, alongside related project material. The basic workflow is: **open a folder → create a survey → edit and preview → publish the response link → collect feedback**.

**Data storage and quota**: Survey data is stored on BabelBird servers and counts toward the survey creator's storage quota.

> The creation, draft and publishing steps are described below. Available question types, logic, languages, analytics and exports depend on the options enabled in your BabelBird deployment. The full Formbricks Cloud feature set is not necessarily included.

## 1. Open the Creation Entry

### Create Inside a Folder

1. Sign in to BabelBird and open the folder that should contain the survey, such as a department or project feedback folder.
2. Select **New → Create Survey**.
3. If the entry is missing, check that you can create files in the folder, then ask the administrator whether the survey component is enabled.

![Create Survey in the folder New menu](../../assets/images/survey-create-menu.png)
*Select Create Survey from the folder's New menu. Screenshots show the Chinese interface.*

### Open from Automation Tasks

Alternatively, open **Files → Automation Tasks → Create Survey**. This is a creation shortcut, not a rule triggered by file uploads. Check the destination folder when creating the survey.

![Create Survey on the Automation Tasks page](../../assets/images/survey-automation-entry.png)
*The Automation Tasks page also provides a Create Survey shortcut.*

## 2. Name the Survey and Choose a Template

1. In the filename dialog, enter a name such as "New Employee Training Feedback".
2. Select **Save** to continue. The editor header displays a filename such as `New Employee Training Feedback.survey`.
3. Include a subject or survey period in the filename to make it easy to find. Check the respondent-facing questions and introduction separately in the editor.

![Survey filename and Save dialog](../../assets/images/survey-name-dialog.png)
*Save a filename before configuring the survey.*

On **Choose how to start**, select **Start from scratch → Create survey**, or search for a template. Filter templates by channel, industry or role and inspect the preview. For a shareable response link, choose a template suitable for a link survey.

Replace example questions, choices and endings, and remove irrelevant content. Website and app survey categories in the template picker do not mean that website tracking or in-app triggers have been configured in BabelBird.

![Formbricks template picker and survey preview](../../assets/images/survey-template-picker.png)
*Start with a blank survey or a template; preview the respondent experience on the right.*

## 3. Edit the Survey

The left side contains settings and the right side shows a preview. The editor provides **Questions, Styling, Language and Settings** tabs, plus **Save as draft** and **Publish** actions.

![Formbricks survey editor with question blocks and preview](../../assets/images/survey-editor.png)
*Add blocks and questions in Questions, then switch between phone and desktop previews.*

### Add Questions and Blocks

1. Enable the **Welcome card** if needed. Explain the purpose, expected duration and use of information.
2. Select **Add block**, choose its first question and enter a title, description and choices.
3. Add more questions or blocks and arrange them in order. Use a block to group a topic.
4. Mark only essential questions as required. Open suggestions are often better left optional.
5. Select **Add ending** and provide a completion message, such as "Thank you. Your feedback will inform the next training session."

Ask one thing at a time. Split "Are you satisfied with the instructor and materials?" into separate questions so the answers identify what needs improvement. Avoid overlapping choices and include "Not applicable" or "Other" when useful.

### Choose a Question Type

Choose from the types enabled in your editor. Labels may vary with the interface language.

| Type | Suitable information | Setup |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Free Text](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/question-type/free-text) | Suggestions, reasons and descriptions | Set a title and input hint; choose short, long or numeric input as appropriate |
| [Single Select](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/question-type/select-single) | One choice, such as the session attended | Provide choices from which the respondent selects one |
| [Multi Select](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/question-type/select-multiple) | Several needs or preferred topics | Add compatible choices and state that several may be selected |
| [Rating](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/question-type/rating) | Satisfaction or experience | Choose a scale and clearly label its endpoints |
| [Net Promoter Score](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/question-type/net-promoter-score) | Willingness to recommend | Use the 0-to-10 recommendation scale, not an exam score |
| [Matrix](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/question-type/matrix) | Several items on one evaluation scale | Set row items and column values; keep mobile layouts manageable |
| [Ranking](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/question-type/ranking) | Priorities for improvements or needs | Provide at least two items to put in order |
| [File Upload](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/question-type/file-upload) | Screenshots or supporting material | Requires configured upload storage; set file types, size and multiple-file options |

Attachments can reveal names or file authors. Avoid identifying evidence in anonymous surveys, and do not assume uploads are automatically saved to the drive folder containing the survey.

### Styling and Languages

Open **Styling** to adjust appearance. If custom styling is available, enable it to customize text, cards, backgrounds and branding for this survey. Prioritize readable contrast and mobile usability. See [Formbricks styling](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/general-features/overwrite-styling).

Use **Language** to configure respondent languages. When translations are enabled, set the default language, complete the visible languages and preview their questions, choices, hints and endings. Recheck translations whenever content changes. See [Formbricks multilingual surveys](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/general-features/multi-language-surveys).

## 4. Advanced Options

These options support more complex surveys. A basic link survey does not require every advanced feature, and unavailable options can be skipped.

### Conditional Logic

At the bottom of a block, use **Conditional Logic** to add an answer condition and destination block, with a fallback for other answers. For example, route dissatisfaction to a follow-up block and other answers to the next topic. Test each branch before publishing. See [Formbricks conditional logic](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/general-features/conditional-logic).

### Hidden Fields and Variables

**Hidden fields** carry values supplied with the link, such as a `campaign_code`, rather than answers entered by respondents. Hidden does not mean secret. Do not place credentials or personal identifiers in these parameters. See [Formbricks hidden fields](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/general-features/hidden-fields).

**Variables** hold text or numbers that logic can update, such as a running assessment score. Set their names, types and initial values near the bottom of Questions. Ordinary feedback surveys need no variables. See [Formbricks variables](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/general-features/variables).

### Collection Dates and Limits

If enabled, use **Settings → Response Options** to schedule publication or closure. Check the displayed time zone and execution time rather than assuming your computer's local time. See [Formbricks scheduling](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/general-features/survey-scheduling).

Where available, **single-use links** limit completions per link. They do not verify identity. Keeping your own recipient-to-link mapping can make responses identifiable, so do not promise untraceability in that case. See [Formbricks single-use links](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/link-surveys/single-use-links).

## 5. Preview, Save and Publish

### Before Publishing

1. Test phone and desktop previews, especially long questions, choices and buttons.
2. Complete the survey, testing required fields and each conditional path.
3. Use **Restart** to test another path. Do not distribute the editor preview address.
4. Check that the purpose, anonymity statement, ending and collection period agree.

### Drafts and Response Links

Even when **Autosave enabled** appears, confirm the save state before closing. Use **Save as draft** when the survey is not ready. **Autosaving or saving a draft does not publish it.**

Select **Publish** when ready, then obtain the survey's **response link** from its sharing entry. Send that generated link through email, enterprise chat or a notice; do not construct an address yourself.

| Entry | Purpose |
| --- | --- |
| Survey response link | Opens the questionnaire for respondents to submit answers |
| Survey editor | Allows authorized staff to edit; it is not the respondent link |
| Drive file sharing link | Shares a drive file; it does not prove the questionnaire is published |

**Anonymous responding is not anonymous editing, nor does it grant access to the folder or results.** Keep respondent links separate from internal editing and results-management entries.

## 6. Collect Anonymous Feedback

BabelBird supports anonymous survey responses. Respondents should use the published response link instead of being required to sign in and open the editable drive file.

1. State the purpose and collection scope accurately, for example: "Used to improve training; no name, phone number or employee ID is requested."
2. Do not ask for names, email addresses, phone numbers or employee IDs. Ask respondents to avoid identifying details in free text too.
3. Do not pass identities through hidden fields, personalized links or prefilled values. Small departments and unique job roles can also identify people in combination.
4. Leave email verification off for anonymous surveys: it associates an email address with the response. See [Formbricks email verification](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/link-surveys/verify-email-before-survey).
5. Complete a test using the published link in a signed-out private browser window. Inspect the recorded fields for unwanted identifiers.

Anonymous does not mean no technical records exist. Formbricks can record browser, device and source metadata. Administrators should confirm collection, retention and access settings and describe them accurately to respondents. See [Formbricks metadata](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/general-features/metadata).

Public links can be forwarded. Anonymity does not enforce one submission per person. Decide whether identity checks or audience restrictions are compatible with the intended anonymity.

## 7. Read Results and Export

Where Formbricks results management is enabled, **Summary** shows aggregate answers and **Responses** shows individual submissions. Filter by date or criteria, then export all, filtered or selected records as CSV or Excel. The entry and access permissions depend on deployment. See [Formbricks results and exports](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/analysis/reading-results).

Starting is not completing. Separate completed responses from partial submissions. If many respondents stop at one question, check its length, clarity and necessity. See [Formbricks partial submissions](https://formbricks.com/docs/surveys/general-features/partial-submissions).

- Exclude or identify test responses before analysis.
- Record the export date, filters and survey period to preserve the reporting scope.
- Upload exported files to an appropriate controlled drive folder if needed; do not assume a results file is created there automatically.
- Exports may contain sensitive answers or hidden fields. Never include results-management links in a public respondent invitation.

## 8. Example: Training Feedback

Create "October Training Feedback" in the training folder, using this short structure:

| Order | Content | Suggested type | Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Welcome | Purpose, expected duration and anonymity scope | Welcome card | Not applicable |
| 1 | How useful was this session for your work? | 1-to-5 rating with labeled endpoints | Yes |
| 2 | What would you like more of? | Multi-select: practice, examples, Q&A, other | Yes |
| 3 | How was the pace? | Single-select: too fast, about right, too slow | Yes |
| 4 | What should we improve? | Long text | No |
| Ending | Thank respondents and explain how feedback will inform future sessions | Ending card | Not applicable |

Preview the whole flow, save and publish. Have one tester use a phone and another use a signed-out browser before distribution. Keep the resulting analysis with the next training plan in the project folder.

## 9. Frequently Asked Questions

### Why Is Create Survey Missing?

Check file-creation permissions and the deployed BabelBird version. Ask the administrator to confirm the survey component configuration, and check the Automation Tasks entry as well.

### Must I Create the Survey on the Formbricks Website First?

No. Start from Create Survey inside BabelBird to use the integrated Formbricks editor.

### Where Is Survey Data Stored and Whose Quota Does It Use?

Survey data is stored on BabelBird servers and counts toward the survey creator's storage quota. Check the creator account's available space when creating and using surveys.

### Why Can a Recipient Not Fill in a Shared Survey?

Confirm publication and send the response link, not the editor or ordinary file link. Then check collection status, network access and any additional access restrictions.

### Why Does an Anonymous Survey Ask for Email or Login?

Check for an incorrect link, email verification, identity parameters or deployment access settings. Validate anonymity while signed out; successful access as the editor is not sufficient.

### Can I Change or Stop a Published Survey?

Save edits and follow the update or publication action shown in your editor, then verify the original response link. Avoid changing question meanings or scales once responses exist; create a new survey period for major changes. To stop collection, use the available pause, close or deadline setting and check the original link. Do not rely on deleting the `.survey` drive file to disable collection.

### Why Are Some Formbricks Features Missing?

BabelBird uses Formbricks components, with availability determined by integration version, deployment and licensing. Confirm results access, advanced limits and external integrations in your environment.

## Related Features

- [Create New Files and Folders](file-create.md)
- [Automation Tasks](automation-overview.md)
- [Sharing](file-sharing.md)
- [Permissions](permissions.md)
- [Formbricks documentation](https://formbricks.com/docs) and [official repository](https://github.com/formbricks/formbricks)