Signature Survey Questions

Signature questions let respondents draw a signature with their mouse, trackpad, or finger. They exist for the rare case where a research protocol specifically requires a drawn signature — for example, an institution that mandates handwritten sign-off for a consent process, or a study replicating a paper form that was signed by hand.

• Draw-to-sign canvas: respondents sign with mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen — no typing required.
• Instructions field: tells respondents what they are signing and why.
• Optional printed name: collect a typed name alongside the drawn signature for legibility.
• Clear and retry: respondents can clear a signature and redraw it before submitting.

1. Step 1: Open Block Builder. Open the survey and select the block where the signature belongs — typically right after the consent text it confirms.

   Step 1: Open Block Builder

2. Step 2: Add a Signature question. Choose Signature from the question type selector.

   Step 2: Choose Signature question type

3. Step 3: Write clear instructions. Reference the consent text above so respondents know exactly what they are signing.

   Step 3: Write instructions

4. Step 4: Decide whether to require a printed name. A typed name makes signatures legible for review, but adds a second required field.

   Step 4: Require printed name

5. Step 5: Preview and test on a touch device. Draw and clear a signature to confirm the canvas responds well on both desktop and mobile before publishing.

   Step 5: Preview the signature pad

Each response exports as a downloadable image of the drawn signature, plus the timestamp it was completed and the printed name if you collected one. Signatures are stored inline with the response rather than in separate cloud storage.

• Consent and Screening in Research Surveys for when a Multiple Choice agreement question is enough
• File Upload Survey Questions for attaching an already-signed document instead
• Multiple Choice Survey Questions
• Prepare for IRB Research Survey Review