You can disable default help text or add custom instructions to any question. However, removing instructions could significantly impact response accuracy.

Why help text matters for accurate responses

Without clear instructions, respondents face several problems:

1. Uncertainty about how to respond - They won't know whether to select one or multiple options
2. Confusion about marking method - Should they check, cross, or fill the bubble?
3. Risk of missed responses - Checkmarks (✓) can sometimes be written outside answer box when people respond quickly, leading to unrecorded answers

Recommended marking methods

• Cross (X) - Most reliable, harder to miss the box
• Fill in bubble - Clear and consistent
• Avoid checkmarks (✓) - Easy to be accidentally drawn outside the box.

Removing default help text

If you still want to remove the default instructions:

1. Open your survey in the form builder
2. Navigate to Survey Settings
3. Toggle "Remove default help text" to ON
4. Save your changes

⚠️ Warning: Only remove help text if you're certain respondents understand how to complete your survey.

Adding custom help text

Each question can have its own custom instructions:

1. Select any question in your survey
2. Find the "Extra help text" field
3. Enter your custom instructions
4. The text will appear below the question

Best practices for help text

Always include instructions when:

• It's a multiple choice question (respondents need to know they can select several)
• Using rating scales or grids
• The question format might be ambiguous
• Working with general public audiences

Consider custom help text for:

• Specifying exact number of selections (e.g., "Select your top 3 choices")
• Clarifying marking preferences (e.g., "Mark with X")
• Adding examples or context
• Special instructions for complex questions

Only remove help text when:

• Running internal surveys with trained staff
• Questions are extremely simple (yes/no with obvious single selection)
• You've tested thoroughly and confirmed no confusion

Examples of effective help text

Instead of removing help text, consider these clear instructions:

• "Mark one box with X"
• "Mark all that apply with X"
• "Fill in the bubble completely"
• "Select only your top choice"

Remember: A few words of instruction can prevent hundreds of unusable responses.