Qualtrics file guide

What Is a QSF File?

A QSF file is a Qualtrics Survey Format file used to move a survey into or out of Qualtrics. It packages the survey structure so Qualtrics can recreate questions, choices, blocks, flow, and related settings.

Convert Word to QSF Inspect a QSF file

How Qualtrics uses QSF files

Qualtrics uses QSF files as survey transfer packages. When you export a survey, Qualtrics creates a .qsf file. When you import one, Qualtrics reads the file and attempts to rebuild the survey project from the encoded structure.

That makes QSF useful for backups, survey templates, migration work, and turning a drafted questionnaire into a Qualtrics-ready starting point.

What is inside a QSF file?

A QSF file is JSON-based. Depending on the survey, it can include survey metadata, question text, answer choices, blocks, survey flow, embedded data references, display logic, and other Qualtrics-specific configuration.

Because QSF details vary by Qualtrics features and account configuration, generated QSF files should be reviewed after import.

When to use a Word to QSF converter

Use a QSF converter when your questionnaire starts in Word, DOCX, PDF, TXT, or Markdown and you want a structured Qualtrics draft instead of manually rebuilding every question.

The best workflow is: upload the document, review the extracted schema, export the QSF file, import it into a blank Qualtrics project, then compare the result against the original questionnaire before launch.

QSF quick facts

Extension: .qsf

Platform: Qualtrics

Common intent: import, export, backup, migration, and survey drafting

Best next step: convert, import into a test project, then validate.

QSF File FAQ

What does QSF stand for?

QSF commonly refers to Qualtrics Survey Format, the file format Qualtrics uses to import and export survey projects.

Can I convert a Word document to a QSF file?

Yes. A converter can extract questions from Word or DOCX files and build a QSF file, but you should review the survey after importing because advanced Qualtrics logic may need manual adjustment.

Is a QSF file JSON?

A QSF file is a JSON-based Qualtrics transfer file. The format contains survey metadata, questions, choices, blocks, flow, and platform-specific fields.

Why should I validate a generated QSF file?

Qualtrics does not publish a stable complete QSF schema, so generated files should be imported into a blank or non-critical Qualtrics project first and checked against the source questionnaire.