Unique survey identifiers are QR codes that PaperSurvey adds to each printed survey page. These identifiers automate page matching, prevent duplicates, and enable advanced features like dynamic forms and database linking.

How unique identifiers work

When enabled, PaperSurvey adds QR codes to your survey pages:

• Multi-page surveys: QR codes on each page identify both the survey and the specific response
• Single-page surveys: One QR code identifies the survey, optional second code identifies the respondent

These codes work invisibly during scanning - you simply upload files and PaperSurvey handles the rest.

Benefits of using unique identifiers

1. Automatic page matching

Upload hundreds of pages in any order - PaperSurvey automatically groups them by respondent. No more manual sorting or worrying about page sequence.

2. Duplicate prevention

If someone accidentally scans the same page twice, PaperSurvey recognizes the duplicate and only processes it once, maintaining data integrity.

3. Database integration

Match survey responses to your internal records by linking identifier codes to participant IDs, employee numbers, or other systems.

4. Dynamic forms

Create personalized surveys with pre-filled information unique to each respondent - names, ID numbers, or custom fields.

When to enable unique identifiers

Enable for these scenarios:

• Multi-page surveys - Automatic page grouping saves hours of manual work
• Large-scale distributions - Easier tracking and quality control
• Linked data needs - Connecting responses to existing databases
• Pre/post studies - Automatic matching of before/after responses
• Personalized surveys - When using dynamic form features

Consider disabling when:

• On-demand printing needed - People need flexibility to print additional copies locally
• Cost is critical - Some print shops charge more for unique pages
• Newspaper inserts - Mass distribution where tracking isn't needed

Note: If you need both unique identifiers AND the ability to print more copies, you can create a shareable link that allows authorized users to generate and print additional uniquely marked surveys.

Understanding the default settings

Multi-page surveys: Unique identifiers are ON by default

• Prevents common issues like mixed responses or missing pages
• Most users benefit from automatic page handling

Single-page surveys: Unique identifiers are OFF by default

• Single pages don't need automatic grouping
• Simpler for basic survey needs

How to manage unique identifiers

1. Go to your survey's print settings
2. Enable or disable "unique page marking"
3. Save your settings

Using shareable print links

For surveys with unique identifiers that need distributed printing:

1. The shareable print link is automatically active for your survey
2. Access it by either:
   • Going directly to Share Print Page
   • Or clicking More → Prints → Share Print Page
3. On the shared page, users can:
   • Enter the number of copies needed
   • Click Generate to create uniquely marked PDFs
   • Optionally add a batch label after generation starts (helps track different print runs)
   • Print the generated surveys
4. No PaperSurvey login required for printing

Important considerations

Printing requirements

• With identifiers: Generate through PaperSurvey or use shareable print links
• Without identifiers: Can print on demand from any PDF

Scanning requirements

• With identifiers: Upload all pages together - order doesn't matter
• Without identifiers: Keep responses separated or in correct page order

Practical examples

Example 1: Conference feedback (1000 attendees, 3-page survey)

With identifiers: Print 1000 unique copies, scan all 3000 pages in any order Without identifiers: Scan each 3-page response separately (1000 separate files)

Example 2: Restaurant comment cards (single page)

With identifiers: Each card tracked individually, prevents duplicate entries Without identifiers: Simple scanning, can make more copies from the same PDF as needed

Making the right choice

Ask yourself:

1. Do I need to track individual responses? → Enable identifiers
2. Will pages get mixed during scanning? → Enable identifiers
3. Do I need printing flexibility? → Disable identifiers
4. Is this a simple, single-page survey? → Disable identifiers

Most users find the benefits of unique identifiers outweigh the printing constraints, especially for multi-page surveys or studies requiring response tracking.