Before you upload the LSS file
Confirm the file is from a trusted source and has the .lss extension. Remember that LSS stores survey structure, not respondent data. If it was generated from Word, DOCX, PDF, TXT, or Markdown, review converter warnings and inspect the structure first.
For inherited files, use an inspector or text editor to understand the survey groups, questions, answer options, and logic before importing.
Import into a test area first
Use LimeSurvey’s survey import workflow with a blank or non-critical survey/site for the first import. After upload, open the imported survey and review the structure from top to bottom.
Do not import a generated or third-party LSS file directly into a live survey workflow. Test imports protect production surveys from accidental structure, code, or logic problems.
Review after import
Compare the imported survey with the source questionnaire. Check wording, answer choices, question type mapping, groups, subquestions, relevance equations, validations, language settings, quotas, and survey settings.
Only move forward after you understand and resolve import warnings or differences. If the LSS came from a converter, this review step is part of the workflow, not optional cleanup.
Import LSS to LimeSurvey FAQ
How do I import an LSS file into LimeSurvey?
Use LimeSurvey’s survey import workflow, upload the .lss file, then review the imported survey structure before publishing or copying it into a production project.
Should I import an LSS file into a live survey?
No. Generated or third-party LSS files should be imported into a blank or non-critical LimeSurvey survey/site first so mistakes do not affect a live questionnaire.
What can go wrong during LSS import?
Question types, answer codes, subquestion layout, relevance equations, quotas, language settings, and account/version-specific features may import differently than expected.
Can I review an LSS file before importing it?
Yes. Use an LSS inspector or read the XML to review structure before import. LimeSurvey import and preview remain the final checks for behavior.