How can I add questions longer than 40 characters in custom templates?

[ellaspeckhalses]

The title of this thread has been edited from the original: Making a longer question in forms

When editing your own custom template and adding custom fields, how can you make questions longer? It seems to max out around 40 characters. I am an esthetician and trying to use them to make intake forms and have some long questions that need to be included. Thanks!

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi, @ellaspeckhalses ! Welcome to the Square Community! We are so happy to have you here. 😁

While Square does have character limitations for custom fields, here are some workarounds and solutions:

Current Limitations:

• Custom field questions are limited to approximately 40 characters
• This is a known limitation in Square's form builder

Workaround Solutions:

1. Split Questions:

   • Break longer questions into multiple parts
   • Example: Instead of: "Please list all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking" Use:
     • "Current Medications:"
     • "Current Supplements:"
     • "Current Vitamins:"

2. Use Section Headers:

   • Add a longer description in the section header
   • Put shorter questions below
   • Example: Header: "Please list any medications or supplements you're currently taking" Questions:
     • "Medications (if any):"
     • "Supplements (if any):"

3. Combine Field Types:

   • Use a short question title
   • Add clarification in the description/notes field
   • Use multiple-choice or checkbox options where possible

Example Structure:

SECTION: Medical History
[Detailed description of what you need to know]

Q1: "Current Medications?"
[Text field]

Q2: "Allergies?"
[Text field]

SECTION: Skin Concerns
[Detailed description of skin issues]

Q1: "Primary Concern?"
[Multiple choice]

I know this may not be the answer you were looking for, but I still wanted to provide some options or a different perspective.

[ellaspeckhalses]

Thank you! That is very helpful!