Add a placeholder

Last updated: 16 Oct 2026

Use this guide to show a hint inside the answer box of a Short Answer or Paragraph question. For survey creators.

Before you start

• A placeholder is a short hint inside an answer box. It is usually shown in light gray and disappears when the respondent starts to type.
• Add Placeholder is available for Short Answer and Paragraph questions only.
• Add the question first. See Create a survey.

Add a placeholder

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. In the Advanced Settings panel, select Add Placeholder.
7. In the Write Placeholder box, enter the hint text.

8. Click Done.

Good to know

• The placeholder can be up to 100 characters. It cannot be empty.
• A placeholder is not an answer. Use Add Default Value if you want to fill in an answer.

Next: Show a help tip

← All documentation