The Long Text field gives users room for paragraphs, comments, and detailed notes. This article covers how to add a Long Text field, limit its length, and configure its settings.
How the Long Text field works
A Long Text field is a multi-line text box that grows as the user types. It accepts letters, numbers, special characters, and line breaks.
For example, a work order can ask for a Description of the problem. Technicians can write as much as they need, on as many lines as they need.
For short, one-line answers like a name or an ID, use a Text field instead.
Add a Long Text field
In the Form Builder, select Add Fields in the side bar.
Under Text, select Long Text to add it after the selected field. You can also drag it onto the canvas where you want it.
The field appears on the canvas as Long Text Field, and its field settings open on the General tab.
Limit the length of the answer
In Field Label, enter the question users see, for example Technician Notes.
Under Long Text Settings, turn on Enable Min/Max Length.
Enter a Min Length and a Max Length in characters.
Users can't submit the form until the answer is within the limits you set.
Configure the field
Use the General, Behavior, and Appearance tabs in Field Settings to control how the field works.
Tab | Setting | What it does |
|---|---|---|
General | Field Label | The question users see on the form |
General | Field Key | The key that identifies the field in submissions, rules, and calculations |
General | Default Value | Fills in the field each time a user starts the form |
General | Enable Min/Max Length | Limits the answer to the Min Length and Max Length you enter, in characters |
General | Required Field | Users must fill in the field before they can submit the form |
General | Hint Text | Text shown in the empty field to tell users what to enter |
Behavior | Hide Field | Hides the field in the app |
Behavior | Hide Field Label | Shows the field without its label |
Behavior | Exclude From Reports | Leaves the field's value out of reports. The value stays in the submission data |
Behavior | Enabled | When off, the field is grayed out and users can't change it |
Behavior | Capture GPS Location | Records the GPS coordinates from when the field was last changed |
Behavior | Capture Timestamp | Records the date and time the field was last changed |
Appearance | Background Color | Gives the field a color. Learn more about alert types |
Select Save Draft to save your changes. Users see them after you select Publish.
Set up the field with the Assistant
You can also ask the Assistant to add a Long Text field or change its settings.
Select Assistant in the side bar.
Describe what you want, for example Add a long text field called Technician Notes after Description, with a maximum of 500 characters or Add the hint text Describe the problem to Description.
Send the message.
The Assistant can add, rename, and move the field. It can also set the hint text, default value, length limits, and required setting.
Note
Assistant changes aren't saved until you select Save Draft.