Multilevel Drop-Down Lists

Using the List question type, you can build branching questions using a multilevel drop-down list. When you make a selection from a list of question options, your response branches off to another question. This functionality helps you manage list items better for greater control of data in the database.

A multilevel drop-down list can be nested at several levels. For example, this type can be useful for showing a complicated organizational structure.

In the List side panel, there are options to make features of a multilevel drop-down list mandatory:

  • Mandatory – The multilevel drop-down list question must be answered.

  • Mandatory terminal response – The user must go all the way to the last level of the list to make a selection, instead of just clicking through without expanding the list beyond the first level. If you select this option, you cannot select Mandatory required level.

  • Mandatory required level – You must select a mandatory required level from a drop-down list that determines how many levels down users must expand the list to make a selection, instead of clicking through without expanding the list beyond the first level. If you select this option, you cannot select Mandatory terminal response.

When you click Manage list options, the List options dialog box lets you organize list options manually or through Excel import.

In the dialog box, there are buttons to add and remove options, as well as move them up and down in the list, and in and out of other options to create a hierarchy.

There can be up to a maximum of 10,000 items in the complete list, including all items in the levels.

Step by Step — Add a manual multilevel list question 

  1. In a form, drag the List question type onto the form or task.
  2. In the Question text field, type in the question.

  3. In the Type drop-down list, select the Multi-level drop-down option.

    When a check box to the left of an option is selected, the up and down arrows are shown to let you move that question response up or down in the listing.

    If available, indenting can be done with the Move List in to and Move List Out of arrows.

    Add list option and Delete list option icons are available for you to use.

  4. Select the check box of the second list item, and then select the indent or the Move list option in to icon.

    • That option now falls below, or within, the item above it.
  5. Unselect the second list item.
  6. Select the third list item.

  7. Indent the third list option using the Move list option in to icon.

    • Your List option dialog box should look similar to this example:

  8. Add three more list options, using the Add List Item icon.

  9. With the final two items, use the Move list option in to icon to indent them.

    • Your List option dialog box should look similar to this example:

  10. Click Save.

  11. Click Publish.

    • As a result, when the form or task is opened, the first question can be answered, which then leads to branched options for the second question.

To create a multilevel drop-down question using the template from Excel, first click the Download multi-level list starter template. The template has one Example sheet with instructions on how to use it. You can then fill out the Import sheet with list options for as many levels as necessary.

This step-by-step walks you through adding items through the multilevel list start template.

Step by Step — Add a multilevel list using the list starter template

  1. In a form, drag the List question type onto the form or task.
  2. In the Question text field, type in the question.
  3. In the Type drop-down list, select the Multi-level drop-down option.
  4. Click on Manage List Options.
  5. Click the Download multi-level list starter template. The Excel file downloads.
  6. Click Enable Editing if needed.

  7. Save the template file to your desired location.

    • There are two tabs, the Example tab, and Import, the latter of which you use to create your multilevel branching template.
  8. Open the Import tab.
  9. Create a Level 1 item in Column A, PMH1 in the example.
  10. In Column B, create the Level 2 item, Segment 1 in the example.

  11. In Column C, create the Level 3 items, or decision points, Roadway, Structure, and Walls in the example.

    • This means that when a user selects a Column B segment, they will have three additional choices from Column C in the next drop-down list

  12. In column D, add Level 4 options.

    • In the example shown, there are only Level 5 options in Column E for Hwy 1, Eastbound and Hwy 1, Westbound

  13. Save the Excel file.
  14. Go to Compliance, and then click Browse.
  15. Navigate to the folder where your Excel file is located.
  16. Select the file, and then click Open.
  17. The Excel data populates. Click Save.

There are no limits on how many levels can be added. Many levels down might not be the best when using the list.

There is a maximum of 10,000 items in the complete list including all items in the levels.

There is a maximum of 200 characters, including spaces, for each item. Items that exceed 200 characters are truncated.

In a form, a multilevel list option looks similar in either the web or mobile versions: