Signature Question Type

The Signature question type allows your survey respondents to add their signature using their mouse or touch screen. The Signature question includes both a field for respondents to sign, as well as, a textbox to type their full name.

When To Use It

Use the Signature question for job applications and legal forms. For example, if you're signing a lease on a house, but can't get out of work to do so, why not just sign it online? Because it works great on mobile devices, the signature question is an ideal solution for in-person surveys and market research using an iPad or other tablets.

Customizing the Text of your Signature Question

You can customize the instructions below the signature field as well as the label for the text field in the Text & Translations tool. Go to Tools > Text & Translations. For single-language surveys simply click on your default language and go to the Messages tab. Under the Messages header, click edit to make changes to the signature question text.

Signature Question Translation Options

Survey Taking

On a desktop and most laptops, the Signature question type looks like so.

Signature Question Desktop Example

When optimized for mobile devices the Signature question type looks very similar.

By default, survey questions show one at a time on mobile devices to prevent the need for scrolling on smaller screens. You can turn off this one-at-a-time interaction if you wish.

Signature Question Mobile Example

Reporting

 See additional compatible chart types

 See what other report types are compatible

The below grid shows which of the report types Signature questions are compatible with. If you plan to do some specific analysis within Alchemer this report compatibility chart should help you choose the right question types!

Report Type
Compatible
Standard
 
(count of signatures received)
Legacy Summary
 
(typed name only)
TURF

Profile
 
(typed name only)
Crosstab

Comparison

FAQ and Troubleshooting

 Do the signatures collected with the Signature question have legal validity?

The Signature question was not built to eSign standards. If you are looking to use the question this way we would love to hear from you! As we hear that more users that are looking for the Signature question to meet these standards we’ll definitely consider prioritizing this request!

 What browsers are supported?

Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Internet Explorer 9+

 How does it work?

It works using HTML5 to capture mouse movements, so anyone can use it.

 How do I customize the look and feel of the Signature question?

In order to customize the look and feel of your Signature question, you will need to use CSS.

The below CSS can be placed in your survey's theme to hide the clear button. To do so, go to the Style tab and scroll to the bottom of the survey preview and click the link to access the HTML/CSS Editor. Paste the below code on the Custom CSS tab. 

sg-signature .sg-signature-clear { display:none; }

You can also customize the look and feel of the signature pad. For example, the below CSS, placed in your survey's theme will hide the border on the signature pad. To do so, go to the Style tab and scroll to the bottom of the survey preview and click the link to access the HTML/CSS Editor. Paste the below code on the Custom CSS tab. 

.sg-signature .sg-signature-pad { border: none;}

 I'm using the signature question in a kiosk mode survey and it is not working? What gives?

The signature question will not work on the first page of kiosk mode surveys. You can move the signature question to the second page or later in your survey and it will work just fine!

 What's wrong with my signature question in my Word and PDF Survey Download?

The signature question is not supported in the Survey Download.

 Is the signature question accessible for screen readers?

The signature question is accessible for screen readers but it is important to note that the screen reader will bypass the signature field. Respondents using screen readers will be able to enter their name in the text field. Learn more about accessibility in our Best Practices for Accessibility Guide.

 Can I push the signature collected to Salesforce?

At this time the signature question cannot be pushed to Salesforce.

 Can I include a signature question in an Add-As-Needed group?

No. Signature questions are not compatible with Add-As-Needed groups.

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