LimeSurvey file guide

What Is an LSS File?

An LSS file is a LimeSurvey Structure file. LimeSurvey uses the .lss file extension to import and export complete survey structures, including question groups, questions, answers, and survey settings.

Convert to LSS Inspect an LSS file

How LimeSurvey uses LSS files

LimeSurvey treats LSS files as portable survey structures. You can export a survey as LSS for backup or migration, then import that file into LimeSurvey to recreate the survey.

LSS is especially useful when a research team needs to move questionnaires between environments or turn source documents into LimeSurvey-ready projects.

What is inside an LSS file?

LSS files are XML-based. They can contain survey language settings, groups, questions, subquestions, answer options, quotas, relevance equations, and other LimeSurvey configuration.

Before importing generated or inherited files, inspect the LSS structure and validate question order, answer codes, and logic.

When to convert or inspect LSS files

Use an LSS converter when your survey is currently in Word, DOCX, PDF, or TXT and you need a LimeSurvey import file. Use an inspector when you already have an LSS file and want to understand or validate it before import.

Keeping the conversion and inspection steps separate helps protect survey quality without weakening the existing LSS converter workflow.

LSS quick facts

Extension: .lss

Platform: LimeSurvey

Format: XML-based survey structure

Best next step: convert source documents or inspect existing files before import.

LSS File FAQ

What does LSS stand for?

LSS usually means LimeSurvey Structure, the survey structure file used by LimeSurvey for importing and exporting survey projects.

What is the .lss file extension used for?

The .lss extension identifies a LimeSurvey survey structure file. It stores the questions, groups, answer options, settings, and logic needed to recreate a survey in LimeSurvey.

Can I edit an LSS file?

LSS files are XML-based, so advanced users can inspect or edit them carefully. Most teams should import the file into LimeSurvey or use an LSS inspector to review structure before making changes.

When should I use an LSS inspector?

Use an LSS inspector before importing an unfamiliar or generated LSS file, especially when the survey includes logic, groups, matrix questions, or a large number of answer options.