topic Re: Dynamic Hints in ArcGIS Survey123 Questions

Dynamic Hints

AmyAlford1 — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:31:38 GMT

I have a question that I need to dynamically change the hint text based on the response to a previous select_one question. If a user selects 'ReIntro_Stocking', I want the hint to be 'What species?'. If they select any of the other 5 choices, I want the hint to be 'Best Description'. This question ${Cons_type} also has a choice_filter based on their selection in ${Cons_Category}

My hint code in connect for question ${Cons_type}: if(${Cons_Category}='ReIntro_Stocking', 'What species?', 'Best Description.')

All it seems to do is create a lightbulb and the same string of text that is in the code with the answer to ${Cons_Category} changing as choices change

Survey123Connect 3.24.31

Re: Dynamic Hints

DougBrowning — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:50:13 GMT

I think hints are just text only with no if. Just use a note field instead.

Re: Dynamic Hints

Neal_t_k — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:49:35 GMT

You have to do your calculation first in a helper field, then you can call that in your hint.

${helperfield} calculation: if(${Cons_Category}='ReIntro_Stocking', 'What species?', 'Best Description.')

${Cons_type} hint: ${helperfield}

Re: Dynamic Hints

AmyAlford1 — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:02:46 GMT

That worked. Thanks. Kept it null, too so it wouldn't populate in the feature service. But it is weird that seems that the help column should accept If/then statements.

Re: Dynamic Hints

AmyAlford1 — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:05:02 GMT

Hints accept ${variables}. Functionality would be if accept if/then statements?