FAQ
Is Form Builder free?
Yes, for 5 builds a month, with no credit card needed. Each text, file, photo or Drive file read into questions is one build. A read that fails or finds no questions does not count, and copying an existing Google Form never uses a build. The count resets on the 1st of every month. A paid plan gives unlimited builds. See Limits and pricing.
Can it create a form from a short description, like "a customer survey"?
No. Form Builder works from a source: a text, a file or another form. It reads the questions that are in it and does not invent new ones.
Is anything added to my form before I check it?
No. The questions found are listed first. Nothing is written to the form until you click the Add questions button.
Does it replace the questions already on my form?
No. New questions are added after the existing ones, or before them if you turn on Add at the start of the form. Existing questions are never changed or removed.
Which files can it read?
PDF, Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx), text, Markdown, CSV and JSON up to 3 MB, images (PNG, JPG, WebP, HEIC), and from Google Drive also Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms. See Limits.
Can it read a scanned PDF?
Yes, from its first 20 pages. A PDF with selectable text is read more reliably than a scan.
Can it read a photo of a paper form?
Yes. Upload a photo or screenshot (PNG, JPG, WebP or HEIC, up to 3 MB) and its printed and handwritten questions are read. A sharp, well-lit photo taken straight on reads best.
Can the add-on see all my Google Drive files?
No. It can only read the one file you pick in Google's file picker.
Where does my text or file go?
It is sent to Skyfield's server, where a language model reads the questions out of it. A Google Form you copy is the exception: its questions are copied directly, with no language model. See the privacy policy.
Does it copy answer keys from a quiz?
No. Questions come across without answer keys or points. Set quiz grading in Google Forms afterwards.
A question came out as the wrong type. Can I change it?
Yes. Click the pencil on its row and pick another Type. See Check and edit the questions.
I closed the dialog before adding. Are my questions gone?
No. Every read is kept as a result with the form. Open Form Builder again and click the result. See Results and storage.
Why does it say I already read this?
The add-on recognised the same text or file. Open the questions it already found, or choose Read it again if the source has changed.
How long does a read take?
Usually 10 to 30 seconds. A long file or a scanned PDF can take longer.
Can I limit responses or close the form on a date?
Not with Form Builder. Once the questions are on the form, Form Limiter caps responses, Form Scheduler opens and closes the form on time, and Form Timer gives each respondent a time limit.