# Randomize Answers

You can shuffle the options of multiple choice, checkboxes, single select, multi select, and ranking questions to reduce order bias for free on every plan. Select the question in the builder and turn on **Randomize options** in its settings.

Makeform is a free AI form builder: describe what you want to collect and it builds the form for you, with unlimited forms and submissions on the free plan.

:::callout{type="info"}
Randomization is available on multiple choice, checkboxes, single select, multi select, and ranking questions. Each respondent sees the options in a shuffled order when the form loads.
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## When to use randomization

Use randomized answers when the order of options could influence the response.

Good examples:

- Product preference tests
- Feature prioritization surveys
- Candidate or idea ranking
- Research studies where first-option bias matters

Do not randomize options when the order itself carries meaning, such as steps in a process, sizes from small to large, or time ranges.

## Turn on randomized answers

1. Open your form in the builder.
2. Add or select a multiple choice, checkboxes, single select, multi select, or **Ranking** question.
3. Open the question settings.
4. Turn on **Randomize options**.
5. Save or publish the form.

Randomization happens for respondents, not while you are editing the form. Use preview or a published form link to test the respondent experience.

## How results are saved

Makeform saves the selected option values, not their displayed position.

That means your results stay readable even when different respondents saw the same options in a different order.

## Use with partial ranking

Randomized answers work well with **Allow partial ranking**.

For example, you can ask respondents to rank their top 3 options from a longer randomized list. This is useful when you want preference data without forcing people to rank every option.

## Testing checklist

- Open the published form link in two different browsers or private windows and confirm the option order differs. On choice questions, one respondent keeps the same order while filling in the form.
- Submit a test response and confirm the ranked values are saved correctly.
- Keep option labels clear enough to make sense in any order.
- Turn randomization off for options that should stay in a fixed sequence.

## Troubleshooting

### The order does not change in the editor

That is expected. Randomization is designed for the respondent view.

### Results look out of order

The display order can vary by respondent. Read the selected option values, not the original option position.

### The setting is missing

Check that you are editing a multiple choice, checkboxes, single select, multi select, or ranking question. Randomized answers are not shown for every field type.