Import a Word Questionnaire into LimeSurvey 6
LimeSurvey cannot read Word files directly — the reliable route is Word → LSS file → import. This guide covers the five-step workflow and the LimeSurvey 6 storage details (answer_l10ns, subquestions) that decide whether your answer options survive the import.
The five-step workflow
1. Convert the Word file to LSS
Upload the .doc/.docx questionnaire to the LSS converter. The Deep Parse workflow extracts groups, questions, options, and logic into a reviewable schema, then exports a LimeSurvey 6-compatible .lss file.
2. Review the extracted schema
Check question texts, types, and answer options in the review step before export. Fix any misread questions here — it is faster than fixing them in LimeSurvey.
3. Validate the LSS file
Run the file through the LSS Inspector: it verifies answer option placement, code lengths, and structure against LimeSurvey requirements.
4. Import into LimeSurvey
In LimeSurvey: Surveys → Create survey → Import, choose the .lss file, and import. Use a test survey first, not a production one.
5. Verify and activate
Compare the imported survey with the Word source: groups, questions, options, mandatory flags, and logic. Preview the survey, then activate when everything matches.
Question type mapping
| Questionnaire item | LimeSurvey type | Where options are stored |
|---|---|---|
| Single choice | L — List (radio) | Options in answers + answer_l10ns |
| Multiple choice | M — Multiple choice | Options as subquestions (type M) |
| Matrix / grid | F — Array | Rows as subquestions, columns as answers |
| Short text | S — Short free text | — |
| Long text | T — Long free text | — |
| Numeric | N — Numerical input | — |
| Yes / No | Y — Yes/No | — |
| Rating (1–5) | 5 — 5 point choice | — |
| NPS (0–10) | L with a generated 0–10 scale | Options in answers |
| Instruction text | X — Text display | — |
LimeSurvey 6 storage rules
Answer text: lives in answer_l10ns rows linked by aid — not in the answers table.
Multiple choice: options are subquestions whose type equals the parent (M).
Answer codes: maximum 5 alphanumeric characters (database column limit).
Older installs: need the legacy layout with answer text inline in the answers table.