Microsoft Forms Text Size Limit and Updating Format Issues

Question

Microsoft Forms Text Size Limit and Updating Format Issues

Maria Pinho 0

Hello,

I decided to move a survey to Microsoft Forms, and I am having two constant issues:

Text Limit: I have a long consent form that I need to include as a question for respondents to read. I cannot use a link, per my IRB requirements. I tried to include it as a question, but it locks the field, and I can't add a line break, even using Shift+Enter. I tried creating the text as a section subtitle to connect it to the question, but I am facing the same issue. Why is there a text limit on a section? I can understand for a question, but a section???
Text Size Updates: If I change a text size from medium to small but then decide to change it back, the text remains small. I tried refreshing the page, but it still doesn't work. To update it, I have to create a new question from scratch. The interesting part is that the options and items don't update accordingly.

I appreciate the guidance,

[Moderator note: Personally Identifiable Information removed]

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Answer 1

Hi Maria,

For the text size issue, changing text size normally update immediately. The behavior you described, where text remains small after switching it back to medium may indicate a temporary issue with the Forms editor. As a troubleshooting step, please try:

Click into the field, press Ctrl+A to select all the text, and set the size again explicitly rather than relying on the toggle.
If that fails, use the clear-formatting option in the toolbar, then reapply the size you want.
Test in an InPrivate or incognito window, or in a different browser, to rule out a cached or extension issue.
If it only happens in one field, copying the question (the duplicate icon) sometimes resets its formatting.

Regarding the text limit, Microsoft Forms does have character limits for form elements, including descriptions and subtitles. Text fields and question subtitles are limited to 4,000 characters (including spaces). This limit also applies to section subtitles, so if your consent form exceeds that limit, Forms may prevent additional text from being entered. Unfortunately, there is currently no supported way to increase this limit.

For reference: Form, question, response, and character limits in Microsoft Forms | Microsoft Support

However, I believe this feature is heavily impacting to your workflow, I highly recommend submitting a suggestion directly to Microsoft Forms by navigating to: Microsoft Forms · Community. This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.

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