> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.talentmap.com/knowledge-base/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.talentmap.com/knowledge-base/survey-design-and-deployment/creating-surveys-quick-start.md). # Creating Surveys - Quick Start Build a survey in Compass from a blank page or a document you already wrote, then preview it on any device before you launch. This video walks through creating a survey. It covers adding question types, organizing questions by pages, and copying and pasting questions from Word, Excel, or Google Docs. It also covers adding columns, marking questions as required, saving progress, previewing the survey on different devices, and managing pages in the Survey Designer. **Video length: 4:45** {% embed url="" %} *** ## Overview The Survey Designer helps you create employee surveys with multiple question types, custom branding, and flexible layouts. Whether you're building an engagement survey, pulse check, or exit interview, this guide gets you started quickly. *** ## Survey creation workflow ### Step 1: Create your survey From the main navigation: 1. Click **Surveys** > **New Survey** 2. Enter an internal title (this is for your team, not participants) 3. Click **Create** {% hint style="info" %} **Internal and participant titles are different.** The title you enter here is for internal organization. You set the participant-facing title in Step 2. {% endhint %} ### Step 2: Set up survey details Add participant-facing information: * **Survey Title**: what participants see at the top of your survey * **Logo**: (optional) your organization or department logo * **Description**: (optional) brief explanation of the survey purpose Best practice: * Keep titles concise and clear * Use descriptions to set expectations, for example "This 5-minute survey helps us improve your work experience" * Add logos for a professional appearance ### Step 3: Build your questions Quick method using copy and paste: 1. Prepare questions in Word, Excel, or Google Docs 2. Click **Add Question** and select a question type 3. Copy question text from your document 4. Paste directly into the question field 5. For matrix questions and scales, copy and paste multiple items at once {% hint style="info" %} **Paste whole lists at once.** You can paste entire question lists, scale items, and column headers in one action. That's much faster than typing each item. {% endhint %} Available question types: * **Single-Select Matrix**: multiple questions with the same scale, for example an agreement scale * **Radio Button Group**: single choice from multiple options * **Checkboxes**: multiple selections allowed * **Dropdown**: single selection from a dropdown menu * **Long Text**: open-ended responses (multiple lines) * **Single-Line Input**: short text responses (one line) * **Text/Instruction**: display-only text for survey instructions or section headers ### Step 4: Organize with pages Create multiple pages: * Group related questions together * Click **Add Question** at the bottom to create a new page * Add page descriptions to guide participants through sections Navigation: * Use the left sidebar to jump between pages * Drag and drop pages to reorder from the General tab * Add page numbers for clarity ### Step 5: Preview and test Before launching: 1. Click **Preview** to see the participant experience 2. Test on different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile) 3. Complete the survey yourself to check flow and timing 4. Make adjustments in Designer mode *** ## Quick tips for efficient survey building ### Copy and paste best practices For matrix questions: ``` Source (Word/Excel): I am proud to work here I feel valued by my manager I have opportunities to grow Action: Copy all → Paste into first row → All items populate ``` For scale items: ``` Source: Strongly Disagree Disagree Neither Agree nor Disagree Agree Strongly Agree Action: Copy all → Paste into Columns section → Entire scale populates ``` For radio button and checkbox options: ``` Source: Very Satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Action: Copy all → Paste into first option → All options populate ``` {% hint style="info" %} **Draft your content in a document first.** That makes editing, spell-checking, and stakeholder review easier before you build in Compass. {% endhint %} *** ## When to use each question type | Question Type | Best For | Example | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Single-Select Matrix** | Multiple related questions with same scale | Employee engagement items with agreement scale | | **Radio Button Group** | Single choice from 2-7 options | "How often do you receive feedback?" | | **Checkboxes** | Multiple selections allowed | "Which benefits are most important to you? (Select all that apply)" | | **Dropdown** | Single choice from many options (8+) | "Which department do you work in?" (20+ options) | | **Long Text** | Open-ended feedback | "What suggestions do you have for improving...?" | | **Single-Line Input** | Short text answers | "What is your job title?" | | **Text/Instruction** | Section headers, instructions | "This survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete..." | *** ## Ready to deploy Once your survey is built: 1. Save your survey (it auto-saves as you work) 2. Set up your email campaign to send invitations 3. Monitor responses as they come in *** ## Related Articles * [Survey Designer - Complete Guide](/knowledge-base/survey-design-and-deployment/creating-surveys-quick-start/survey-designer-complete-guide.md) * [Survey Logic and Display Conditions - Complete Guide](/knowledge-base/survey-design-and-deployment/survey-logic-and-display-conditions-quick-start/survey-logic-and-display-conditions-complete-guide.md) * [Scheduling Emails - Quick Start](/knowledge-base/survey-design-and-deployment/scheduling-emails-quick-start.md) * [Questionnaire Library](/knowledge-base/survey-design-and-deployment/creating-surveys-quick-start/questionnaire-library.md) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. 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