Select_One style defaulting to autocomplete in web app

[JillianStanford]

Hi,

I am using Survey123 Connect to author a survey that is being used to edit existing records.

When I configure a select_one field that is populated using the search function, when published, the style of the drop down is autocomplete, no matter which style options I configure.

As an example, I have two select_one fields. The first one is populated from the values in the choices tab. The second one is populated from a feature service. Both have their style set to 'minimal'

Within the Survey123 Connect app they both look correct as simple drop-down boxes.

When published, the first one is styled correctly as a simple drop-down. I can see all of the options when a value is selected.

The second one is styled as an autocomplete text box. If the field is not populated, it's okay because the user can see the available options (although I do wish the styling was the same).

If that field is already populated the options are filtered by the text. So it isn't clear that you have to clear out the box to see all the options.

Even if I choose a completely different style, like "compact", it is styled correctly in the app, with multiple horizontal radio buttons but is autocomplete when published.

I assume this is a bug but has anyone stumbled on a work around for this? This is going to cause confusion. I have updated Survey123 Connect to the latest version (3.25.27). This behavior is consistent across different browsers.

Thanks!

Jill

[ToddW_stl]

Do you have a calculation set on the Reviewer Name field?  Are you only seeing the name populated in edit mode?

[JillStanfordNV5]

Hi.

I don't have a calculation in the "calculation" field but I do in the "body::esri::visible" field.
However, I have another select_one, that pulls values from a feature service, that behaves this way without any calculations on any fields.

Thanks!

[ToddW_stl · Accepted solution]

Based on the Note at the end of the Search section of documentation, I think all select_one questions will behave like autocomplete when opened in the web app, even though you do not have autocomplete explicitly set in the appearance column in the xlsx form.

"Note:  Questions with the search appearance are presented in the Survey123 web app in the same way as select_one questions with the autocomplete appearance."

You may need to add a note/hint for users to clear out the existing value in order to select a different one.      😕

(or open a case with Esri Technical Support to see if there is a bug in there somewhere)

[JillStanfordNV5]

Well shoot, that is too bad.
Yes, I think we can do some user education but I wish it honored the appearance.

Thank you for catching that!

[ToddW_stl]

I tried to search (admittedly, not too in depth) for an existing ArcGIS Idea for some kind of function to clear the unput.  I'm not sure if any of these work or are helpful, but let us know what you find!  Option 2 seems interesting, although I won't have time to experiment this week.

a blog post: Reset select_one question

Google AI search result:

Option 2: Add a "Clear" Trigger Question

If you are using the autocomplete appearance where clearing is difficult, you can add a fake "clear" button: [1]

• Create a select_one question with a single choice (e.g., Name: clear, Label: ❌ Clear Selection).

• Add a relevant constraint to the previous question so it only shows if this is unchecked.

• Use a calculation or null value reset to clear out the target question. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]