Add and Edit Text Blocks in Engagement Questionnaires

Provide context, instructions, and information to residents by adding text blocks to your engagement questionnaires. Text blocks serve as flexible content elements that can explain policies, provide background information, give instructions, or create structured content sections with rich formatting options for clear municipal communication.

Quick Steps

1. Navigate to Ask > Surveys > Build select your survey
   
   
2. Drag "Text Block" from the Content sidebar under "CONTENT"
3. Drop the text block element into your desired position in the questionnaire
4. Write and format your content using the rich text editor that opens automatically
   
   
5. Click "Save" to apply changes and see the in-builder preview

In-Depth Guide

Adding a New Text Block

Access the Questionnaire Builder Navigate to the Engage section and go to the Activities listing screen. Find your engagement questionnaire and select "Edit" to open the Questionnaire Builder interface.

Add the Text Block Element From the Content sidebar on the right, locate "Text Block" under the "CONTENT" section. Drag the Text Block element and drop it into your questionnaire at the desired position.

The questionnaire builder will display a drop zone where you can position your new text block. Release the Text Block element when the drop zone appears in your preferred location.

Use the Rich Text Editor Once you drop the Text Block element into your questionnaire, the configuration modal automatically opens with a rich text editor. This editor provides various formatting tools to create professional, well-structured content.

Text Formatting Options The editor toolbar includes several formatting tools:

• Headings (H): Create section headings and subheadings to organize content hierarchically
• Bold (B): Emphasize important words or phrases by making them bold
• Italic (I): Add emphasis or highlight terms using italic formatting
• Strikethrough: Cross out text to show revisions or outdated information
• Link: Add hyperlinks to external websites, documents, or other resources
• Bulleted Lists: Create unordered lists for items that don't require specific sequencing
• Numbered Lists: Create ordered lists for sequential steps or ranked items
• Table: Insert tables to organize data, comparisons, or structured information
• Preview: View how your formatted text will appear to questionnaire respondents

Content Creation Best Practices When creating text block content:

• Use headings to create clear information hierarchy and improve readability
• Apply bold formatting sparingly to highlight key information without overwhelming the text
• Use lists to break up dense information and make content more scannable
• Add links to relevant resources, documents, or websites that provide additional context
• Create tables for comparative information or structured data presentation

Save Your Configuration After creating and formatting your text content, click "Save" to apply your changes. The modal will close and you'll see an in-builder preview of your formatted text block within the questionnaire.

Editing Existing Text Blocks

Locate and Select the Text Block In the Questionnaire Builder, find the text block you want to modify. Click on the edit icon on the text block to open the rich text editor and access all formatting options.

Modify Content and Formatting Update the text content, adjust formatting, add or remove links, or reorganize the information structure as needed. The rich text editor provides the same formatting tools available during initial creation.

Review and Preview Use the preview function to see how your changes will appear to questionnaire respondents before saving. This helps ensure your formatting achieves the intended visual and organizational goals.

Apply Changes Click "Save" to apply your modifications and close the editor. Once saved, you'll see an in-builder preview of your updated text block with the new formatting and content.

Reorder Text Blocks Reposition text blocks within your questionnaire flow using two methods:

• Drag-and-drop: Click and hold the text block, then drag it to a new position. The questionnaire will show drop zones indicating valid placement locations.
• Toolbar: Use the reordering options available in the text block's toolbar for precise positioning.

Remove Text Blocks To delete a text block, use the delete option in the text block's toolbar. The text block will be removed immediately without a confirmation prompt.

Text Block Design Best Practices

Create Clear Information Hierarchy Use headings, subheadings, and formatting to create logical content structure that guides readers through complex information effectively.

Write for Accessibility Use clear, concise language that's accessible to residents with varying education levels and backgrounds. Avoid jargon or technical terms without explanation.

Organize Content Logically Structure information in logical order, using lists, tables, and sections to make content easy to scan and understand quickly.

Use Links Strategically Include links to relevant resources, but avoid overwhelming text with too many hyperlinks. Ensure linked resources are accessible and current.

Keep Content Current Review text blocks regularly to ensure information remains accurate, links work properly, and content reflects current policies or conditions.

Consider Mobile Readability Format text blocks with mobile users in mind, using shorter paragraphs, clear headings, and scannable formatting that works well on smaller screens.

Methodology

Rich Text Processing Text blocks are processed to maintain formatting while ensuring consistent display across different devices and screen sizes. The system preserves text styling, lists, tables, and links in the final questionnaire presentation.

HTML Formatting The rich text editor creates properly formatted HTML that displays consistently across browsers and devices while maintaining accessibility standards.

Link Handling External links are processed to open in new windows or tabs, preventing respondents from navigating away from the questionnaire accidentally.

Table Formatting Tables created in text blocks are automatically formatted for responsive display, adapting to different screen sizes while maintaining readability.

Language Support Text block content elements support multi-language engagement questionnaires when configured. All text content, including formatted elements, headings, and lists, are translated consistently across language versions.

Edge Cases, Exceptions & Known Issues

Drag and Drop Functionality

• Text blocks must be dropped in valid drop zones within the questionnaire area
• Dropping text blocks outside the builder area will not add them to your questionnaire

Rich Text Editor Limitations

• Very complex formatting may not display consistently across all browsers or devices
• Copy-pasting from external sources may introduce unwanted formatting that needs cleanup

Mobile Display Considerations

• Tables may require horizontal scrolling on narrow mobile screens
• Complex formatting may display differently on mobile devices compared to desktop
• Long text blocks may require significant scrolling on mobile devices

Accessibility Considerations

• Screen readers should be able to navigate through formatted content appropriately
• Tables should include proper headers for screen reader accessibility