> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ahaslides.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ahaslides.com/using-slide-types/using-the-surveys-tool.md).

# Using the Surveys Tool

AhaSlides Surveys let you collect structured, multi-question feedback — build the Survey once, then share a standalone link or drop it live into your presentation.

***

## Step 1: Creating a survey

Surveys live in their own section of your AhaSlides dashboard, separate from your presentations.

1. Log in to AhaSlides and click **Surveys** in the left-hand menu.
2. Choose how to start:
   * **Generate with AI** — describe your Survey goal and let AhaSlides generate questions for you.
   * **Use a template** — pick a pre-built template and customise it.
   * **Start from scratch** — open a blank editor and build your own.

![AhaSlides Survey location — the Surveys section in the left-hand dashboard menu](/files/I4QLqeF1vmeD7UtCNo5H)

***

## Step 2: Adding and editing questions

Inside the Survey editor you can mix as many question types as you need:

| Question type       | What it does                                                                     |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Multiple Choice** | Participants pick from answer options you define                                 |
| **Rating Scale**    | A slider between two labels you set (e.g. *Not useful* → *Extremely useful*)     |
| **Open-ended**      | A free-text box for written answers                                              |
| **Matrix**          | Multiple sub-questions sharing the same answer choices — great for Likert tables |

**Tips:**

* Use the AI assistant to generate a full questionnaire from a prompt.
* Attach an image to any question to give respondents more context.
* Mark a question **Required** so respondents cannot submit without answering it.

![Build a free Survey with AI on AhaSlides — the AI assistant generating survey questions](/files/TTZC2L7JaZ5r1nOl50S4)

Your changes auto-save as a **Draft** until you publish.

***

## Step 3: Publishing and sharing

While a Survey is a Draft it is not collecting responses. When you are happy with your questions, publish it — the status changes to **Published** and it is ready for respondents.

### Method 1 — run it as a standalone survey

1. Open the Survey's sharing options and copy the link, or use the QR code.
2. Send the link to your respondents (email, Slack, LMS, poster — anywhere).
3. Participants open it on any device — phone, tablet, or computer — with no download or account needed.

![Publish and share a Survey on AhaSlides — copying the share link and QR code](/files/K9uHz5fxLdfI5qNcTM7e)

Responses collect for as long as the Survey stays open. To stop accepting new responses, close the Survey (status returns to Draft).

### Method 2 — run a survey inside your presentation

Use this when you want structured feedback from your audience while they are still in the room — end-of-session forms, mid-workshop check-ins, event feedback.

1. Open your presentation in the editor and **add a new slide**.
2. Select the **Survey** slide type.

![Adding a Survey as a new slide in AhaSlides presentation editor](/files/SJtRHzBuKFQHgs8wjMdz)

3. On the slide, click **Link survey** and choose the published Survey you want to show.

![Linking the published Survey to the presentation slide deck](/files/0eDeu03JTxcXTJZiaWGn)

4. Present your deck as usual — participants join with the normal join code or QR code.
5. When you reach the Survey slide, the Survey is revealed on every participant's device.
6. Each participant scrolls through the questions, answers them, and presses **Submit**.

![How the Survey looks on the AhaSlides presenter screen and participant screen](/files/bbJHMBQb3YBK5ZuccgkR)

> Because the Survey appears at the exact moment you present the slide, response rates are much higher than emailing a Survey afterwards — your audience answers while the session is still fresh.

***

## Checking your survey responses

You can check results at any time:

* The **Responses** column in your Surveys list shows how many submissions each Survey has received.
* Click **View results** to see responses in detail, question by question.

![Reviewing the Survey results on AhaSlides — question-by-question response breakdown](/files/19D945vQjkHE75roUjzl)

***

## Two ways to run the same survey

**Two ways to run the same Survey:**

1. **Standalone Survey** — share a link (or QR code) so respondents complete it any time, at their own pace, with no presenter needed.
2. **A slide in your presentation** — add the Survey as a slide in your deck. When you reach that slide while presenting, the Survey appears live on every participant's device.

Both options show your audience exactly the same thing: the full Survey on one page.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5519zbz3w>" %}
Build a Survey once, then share a standalone link or drop it live into your presentation.
{% endembed %}

***

## Frequently asked questions

**What is the difference between a Survey and a Poll slide?** A Poll slide asks one question at a time, results show live on the big screen, and everyone answers together while you present. A Survey is a multi-question form on one page — participants scroll through all the questions and submit once. Use polls for in-the-moment reactions; use a Survey when you want structured feedback across several questions.

**Do participants need an account to answer a Survey?** No. Participants just open the link or scan the QR code and answer in any browser — nothing to install.

**Can responses be anonymous?** Yes. You can keep responses anonymous for more honest feedback, or collect respondent details (such as an email address question) when you need to follow up.

**Why isn't my Survey collecting responses?** Check the Survey's status in your Surveys list. If it is still **Draft**, it has not been published yet — participants cannot see it until you publish.

**Can I test my Survey before sending it out?** Yes. Click **Preview** to see how it looks on respondent devices and submit a test response. Remember to remove your test submission from the results before sharing the Survey for real.

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*


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