Question Types

1. Multiple choice

2. Drop-down

3. Short answer

4. File upload

5. Linear Scale

6. Date

7. Time

In addition to these question types, users can use conditional logic even if on the free version. Users can also take advantage of the form validation feature even using regular expressions to designate what types of responses are acceptable. Google form also offers immediate scoring even for short-answer questions.

However, question types do not include payment ability, image/video-based questions and hierarchical menus.

Interface

Because Google Forms is integrated with Google Drive, all changes to surveys are automatically saved to the cloud allowing users to be able to rely on the product to remember their work.

Collaboration

Users can easily share edit access with other Google users to allow for easier collaboration. However, Google Forms lacks in small areas that could widely restrict users. Unlike other Google products like Google docs, users can't restrict certain users to view only. They also can't comment on surveys created within. Lastly, users can't track the history of changes to a Google Form. This forces users to have to be in very close contact with collaborators in order to not lose any information.

Analytics

Google Forms is limited when it comes to analytics within the platform. In addition to automatically charting your data, users can't choose the type of graph the data is charted in. However, access to Google Sheets makes it easy for users to explore data in detail. Data can also be exported to other types, such as Excel, for external analyzation.

Security/Support

When it comes to security, data within Google Forms is very secure as the company encrypts data and takes further steps to protect their accounts, such as two-factor authentication. However, there is always a risk of hacking.

Support is extremely limited for free users as their only source is documentation. However, paying G Suite subscribers have access to a 24/7 help team through email or live chat. Subscribers can also call for help during normal business hours.

Price

Google Forms is free for individual google users with no survey creation or response limit. Businesses can subscribe to G Suite that starts at $6 per user per month. G Suite subscription tier does NOT affect the types of Google Form features offered but adds storage capacity, a business email account, and the ability to record video meetings.

Summary

1. Start at forms.google.com

2. Create an account (if you already have an account, skip this step)

3. At the top of the page, click the plus sign or template under "Start a new form."

4. Add collaborators to form by clicking the three dots on the top right of the page.

5. The page is then divided into three tabs: Questions, Responses and Settings.

   1. Questions Tab

      1. At the top of the page, add a form title as well as a description.

      2. Each question is divided into its own block. Add questions and/or images to your form. To add more questions, use the side bar on the right side of each question block.

   2. Responses Tab

      1. This is where you can see all the responses to your forms.

   3. Settings Tab

      1. Activate scoring for your form if necessary.

      2. Set how you want to get responses, such as gathering emails.

      3. Set form presentation settings.

6. Customize your theme by clicking on the arts palette at the top right of the page.

7. Preview your form before publishing by selecting the eye icon beside the arts palette icon at the top right of the page.

8. Click "Send" and copy the link to share the survey.