Before you upload the QSF file
Check that the file is from a trusted source and has the .qsf extension. If it was generated from Word, DOCX, PDF, TXT, or Markdown, review converter warnings and inspect the structure first.
For inherited files, use a viewer or inspector to understand what questions, blocks, and flow are inside before importing.
Import into a blank project first
In Qualtrics, use a blank or non-critical project for the first import. Upload the QSF through the survey import workflow, then open the imported project and review the rendered survey from top to bottom.
Do not import a generated or third-party QSF directly into a live survey. Test imports protect existing projects from accidental structure changes.
Review after import
Compare the imported survey with the source questionnaire. Check wording, answer choices, question type mapping, blocks, survey flow, display logic, validation, embedded data, quotas, and scoring.
Only move forward after you understand and resolve any import warnings or differences. If the QSF came from a converter, this review step is part of the workflow—not optional cleanup.
Import QSF to Qualtrics FAQ
How do I import a QSF file into Qualtrics?
Create or open a non-critical Qualtrics project, use the survey import option for QSF, upload the file, then review the imported survey before copying or publishing it.
Should I import into a live project?
No. Import generated or third-party QSF files into a blank or test project first so mistakes do not affect a live survey.
What can go wrong during QSF import?
Question types, answer coding, survey flow, display logic, embedded data, quotas, or unsupported account-specific features may import differently than expected.
Can I review a QSF without importing it?
You can inspect or view the QSF structure before import, but Qualtrics is still required to confirm the rendered survey and platform-specific behavior.