how to copy qualtrics survey

3 min read 07-02-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to easily duplicate Qualtrics surveys! This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for copying surveys, including projects, questions, and logic, saving you valuable time and effort. Master Qualtrics survey copying techniques for efficient research and data collection.

Understanding Qualtrics Survey Copying Methods

Copying a Qualtrics survey is a crucial skill for researchers and marketers. It saves time and ensures consistency when creating multiple versions of the same survey or adapting existing surveys for new projects. There are two primary methods: copying within a project and copying between projects.

Copying a Survey Within the Same Project

This is the quickest method for duplicating a survey you've already created. It preserves all aspects of your original, including branching logic and question types.

Steps:

Open your Qualtrics account: Log in to your Qualtrics account.
Locate the survey: Navigate to the project containing the survey you wish to copy.
Select the survey: Click on the survey name to open it.
Copy the survey: Look for a copy option (usually an icon or a button labelled "Copy"). This is generally found within the survey's settings or options menu. The exact location may vary slightly depending on your Qualtrics version.
Rename the copied survey: Once copied, Qualtrics will usually automatically give it a new name like "[Original Survey Name] - Copy." Rename it to something more descriptive for your project.
Review and edit: Thoroughly review the copied survey. Make any necessary edits or modifications before distributing it.

Copying a Survey Between Projects

This method is useful if you want to organize surveys into different projects or share surveys across different accounts.

Steps:

Export the survey: In the original project, locate the export option for the survey. This usually involves downloading the survey in a Qualtrics-compatible format (like a QSF file).
Import the survey: In the destination project, use the import function to upload the downloaded QSF file. Qualtrics will guide you through the import process.
Rename and review: Qualtrics will likely create a new survey with the original name. Rename it for clarity and then carefully review and edit as needed.

Copying Specific Elements: Questions and Logic

Sometimes, you might only need to copy specific parts of a survey, like individual questions or branching logic.

Copying Individual Questions:

Select the question: In the original survey, find the question you want to copy.
Copy and paste: Most Qualtrics interfaces allow you to select and copy the question text and attributes. Paste it into the new survey. Note that advanced question logic might require manual recreation.
Check formatting: Always check that the copied question displays and functions correctly in the new survey.

Copying Survey Logic:

Copying branching logic and other advanced features is more complex. You often have to recreate them manually in the new survey. While Qualtrics doesn't provide a direct "copy logic" function, careful observation and recreation is possible. Refer to Qualtrics' help documentation for specific instructions on how to replicate complex logic.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error messages: If you encounter any error messages during the copying process, refer to the Qualtrics help center or contact Qualtrics support for assistance.
Missing elements: Ensure that all relevant elements, such as embedded data or advanced features, are correctly copied and functioning.
Inconsistent formatting: Double-check the formatting after copying to maintain consistency in your survey's appearance.

Best Practices for Copying Qualtrics Surveys

Regular backups: Regularly back up your surveys to prevent data loss.
Version control: Use version control (naming conventions or version numbers) to track different iterations of your surveys.
Thorough testing: Always test your copied survey before distributing it to ensure everything is working correctly.

By following these steps and best practices, you can efficiently copy Qualtrics surveys, saving time and ensuring consistency in your research and data collection efforts. Remember to always review and test your copied surveys before using them to collect data.