How to Lock Questions in Google Forms
Google Forms is a versatile tool that allows users to create surveys, quizzes, and assessments. However, sometimes you may want to lock specific questions to prevent participants from changing their answers or navigating to other questions. In this article, we will guide you through the process of locking questions in Google Forms, ensuring that your survey or quiz remains secure and tamper-proof.
Step 1: Create Your Google Form
Before you can lock questions in Google Forms, you need to have a form created. If you haven’t already, go to forms.google.com and start building your survey or quiz.
Step 2: Add Questions to Your Form
Once your form is created, add the questions you want to include. You can choose from various question types, such as text, multiple-choice, or checkboxes. Remember to keep your questions clear and concise to ensure that participants understand them.
Step 3: Lock Specific Questions
To lock a question in Google Forms, you need to use a custom script. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open your Google Form and click on “Responses” in the top menu.
2. Select “All responses” to view all the responses you’ve received so far.
3. In the top right corner, click on “More” and then choose “Script editor.”
4. In the script editor, paste the following code into the script editor:
“`javascript
function lockQuestions() {
var form = FormApp.openById(‘YOUR_FORM_ID’);
var sheet = form.getSheets()[0];
var questions = sheet.getRange(‘A2:A’ + sheet.getLastRow()).getValues();
questions.forEach(function(question) {
var questionId = question[0];
var questionRange = sheet.getRange(questionId);
questionRange.setBackground(‘FF0000’); // Set background color to red
});
}
“`
5. Replace ‘YOUR_FORM_ID’ with the actual ID of your Google Form. You can find the ID by clicking on the form’s URL and copying the string of numbers and letters after “/d/”.
6. Save the script with a name, such as “Lock Questions.”
7. Close the script editor and return to your Google Form.
Step 4: Run the Script
To lock the questions, you need to run the script. Here’s how:
1. Go back to your Google Form and click on “Responses” in the top menu.
2. Select “All responses” to view all the responses you’ve received so far.
3. In the top right corner, click on “More” and then choose “Run.”
4. Enter the name of the script you created (e.g., “Lock Questions”) and click “Run.”
The script will lock the questions by changing their background color to red. Participants will not be able to change their answers or navigate to other questions.
Step 5: Test Your Form
Before sharing your form with participants, it’s essential to test it to ensure that the questions are locked correctly. Fill out the form as a participant and verify that you cannot change your answers or navigate to other questions.
Conclusion
Locking questions in Google Forms is a straightforward process that can help you maintain the integrity of your survey or quiz. By using a custom script, you can ensure that participants cannot tamper with their answers or navigate to other questions. Follow the steps outlined in this article to lock questions in your Google Form and create a secure and reliable survey or quiz.