Add a default value

Last updated: 16 Oct 2026

Use this guide to pre-fill the answer to a Short Answer or Paragraph question with a default value. For survey creators.

Before you start

• Add Default Value is available for Short Answer and Paragraph questions only.
• A default value is a suggestion. Respondents can keep it or change it.
• Add the question first. See Create a survey.

Add a default value

1. Open your survey in the builder.
2. Go to the Questions tab.
3. Find the question you want to change.
4. Click the Actions button (the down arrow) at the right of the question.
5. Click Edit.
6. Check that the question type, at the top right, is Short Answer or Paragraph.
7. In the Advanced Settings panel, select Add Default Value.
8. In the Write Default Value box, enter the default answer.
9. Click Done.

Good to know

• The default answer is filled in when the respondent opens the question. They can change it.
• The default value can be up to 100 characters. It cannot be empty.
• Use a default value when most respondents are likely to give the same answer.

Next: Add a max length

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