Rich Text Content

Markdown elements display formatted text in your surveys. They are informational sections, not questions - respondents see the content but don’t interact with it. Use them for instructions, context, disclaimers, or any other text content that supports the questions around it.

Markdown elements render as normal text in the survey. Respondents won’t see raw formatting codes. What you write in markdown syntax appears as styled headings, bold text, lists, and links.

When to Use

Use markdown elements to display:

  • Survey introductions - Welcome message, survey purpose, and estimated completion time
  • Instructions - How to complete the survey or approach specific questions
  • Section headers - Organize your survey into distinct parts with clear transitions
  • Disclaimers and legal text - Privacy notices, terms, consent information
  • Explanatory content - Background information, definitions, or context that helps respondents give better answers
  • Thank you messages - Closing text at the end of surveys
  • Contextual information - Help respondents understand what you’re asking and why

Formatting Options

Markdown supports rich text formatting:

Headings

# Main Heading

## Section Heading

### Subsection Heading

Text Formatting

**Bold text**
_Italic text_
**_Bold and italic_**
`Code or technical terms`

Lists

Unordered list:

- First item
- Second item
- Third item

Ordered list:

1. First step
2. Second step
3. Third step
[Link text](https://example.com)
[Privacy Policy](/privacy)

Emphasis

> Important note or callout

Best Practices

Keep It Scannable

  • Use headings to break up long sections
  • Keep paragraphs short (2-4 sentences)
  • Use bullet points for lists
  • Bold important keywords

Place Strategically

  • Beginning of survey: Welcome message and instructions
  • Section headers: Explain and group questions
  • Before complex questions: Additional context or instructions
  • End of survey: Thank you message

Match the Tone of Your Questions

Markdown text sets the emotional context for the questions that follow. A warm, conversational introduction leads to more thoughtful responses. A dry, legalistic disclaimer can make respondents feel guarded. Write markdown content that matches the tone you want your respondents to feel when answering.

What Markdown Cannot Do

Markdown elements are display-only. They cannot:

  • Collect responses (use question elements instead)
  • Contain form inputs
  • Execute logic or calculations

Tips for Better Surveys

  • Mobile-first: Keep text short - it’s harder to read on small screens
  • Front-load information: Put most important text at the beginning
  • Break up long surveys: Use section headers to create mental checkpoints
  • Test readability: Have someone unfamiliar read your text
  • Use formatting sparingly: Too much bold/italic loses impact
  • Link to external sites: Use only when absolutely needed, as they break the flow for respondents

Accessibility Considerations

  • Use headings in order (don’t skip levels)
  • Write descriptive link text (“Read our privacy policy” not “Click here”)
  • Keep sentences clear and concise