XLSForm Appearance Column Explained
The XLSForm appearance column changes how a question is displayed without changing what it collects — turning a list into a dropdown, a number scale into a Likert row, or a geopoint into a map. It is an optional column on the survey sheet that controls the input widget ODK Collect shows the enumerator.
Same data, better field experience. Here are the appearances worth knowing, by question type.
Appearances for select questions
| Appearance | Effect |
|---|---|
minimal | Show choices as a compact dropdown |
columns | Lay choices out in columns, not a tall list |
likert | Render a select_one as a horizontal Likert scale |
label / list-nolabel | Build a table of questions sharing one choice list |
| type | name | label | appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| select_one agree_scale | satisfaction | How satisfied are you? | likert |
| select_one district | district | Select your district | minimal |
minimal is the one you will reach for most — a long choice list as a dropdown saves endless scrolling on a phone.
Appearances for text and number questions
| Appearance | Effect |
|---|---|
multiline | A larger, multi-line text box |
numbers | Show a numeric keypad for a text question |
thousands-sep | Display large numbers with separators |
| type | name | label | appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| text | comments | Any additional comments? | multiline |
Appearances for dates, media, and location
| Appearance | Effect |
|---|---|
month-year / year | Collect only part of a date |
no-calendar | A spinner instead of a calendar |
signature | Capture a signature on the screen |
draw / annotate | Draw, or draw on top of a photo |
new-front | Open the front camera by default for image |
placement-map / maps | Show a map for a geopoint |
| type | name | label | appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| date | birth_month | Month and year of birth | month-year |
| image | consent_signature | Signature | signature |
For a geopoint used to verify that an enumerator visited a location, do not use placement-map or maps — they let the pin be placed by hand, which destroys the verification value. Use plain sensor capture. See collecting GPS coordinates.
Combining appearances
Some appearances stack, separated by spaces:
| type | name | label | appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| select_multiple symptoms | symptoms | Select all symptoms | columns-pack |
columns-pack packs choices tightly into columns. When two appearances conflict, ODK Collect applies the first it recognizes, so keep combinations purposeful.
Why appearance matters in the field
A form that collects the right data can still slow enumerators down. A 64-district select_one as a full list means scrolling past 50 options every interview; as minimal it is two taps. Multiply that by a thousand interviews and appearance is a real time — and data quality — decision, not cosmetics.
You do not need to remember which appearance applies to which type. Tell LooprAI "make the district question a dropdown" or "show satisfaction as a Likert scale" and it sets the correct appearance and validates the form.
Next: XLSForm question types →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the appearance column do in XLSForm?
The appearance column changes how a question is displayed in ODK Collect without changing the data it collects. It can turn a choice list into a dropdown, render a Likert scale, show a signature pad, or display a map, improving the field experience.
How do I make a dropdown in XLSForm?
Set the appearance column to 'minimal' on a select_one or select_multiple question. The choices then display as a compact dropdown instead of a long list, which is much faster for enumerators when a list has many options.
How do I create a Likert scale in XLSForm?
Use a select_one question with a rating choice list and set the appearance column to 'likert'. ODK Collect renders the options as a horizontal scale, ideal for agreement or satisfaction questions instead of a vertical list.
Can I combine multiple appearances on one question?
Yes. Separate appearance values with spaces, for example 'columns-pack'. Some combinations are purpose-built shortcuts. When two appearances conflict, ODK Collect uses the first it recognizes, so keep combinations intentional and test on a device.
How do I capture a signature in an XLSForm?
Use an image question with the appearance set to 'signature'. ODK Collect then shows a drawing canvas where the respondent signs with a finger or stylus, and the signature is saved as an image with the submission.
Is the appearance column required in XLSForm?
No. The appearance column is optional. If you leave it blank, each question uses its default widget. You only add an appearance when you want a different presentation, such as a dropdown, Likert scale, multi-line box, or map.
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