Auto-Code Rules for Open-Ended Responses

Auto-code rules assign hidden codes (punch variables) to open-ended responses based on patterns you define. Codes are applied automatically as data comes in and are available in your analysis, but respondents never see them.

Why use auto-code rules?

• Create analysis groups from open-end answers without manual coding
• Build derived variables you can filter or cut by, for example to separate short and long completes
• Keep coding consistent across every response as fieldwork continues

How it works

1. In the survey builder, open the question you want to code.
2. Set the auto-code rules for that question. Rules are set once per question and apply to every response from then on.
3. Questions with rules show an Auto-coded badge on the question card, so you can spot them at a glance.

Auto-coded variables appear in your Results like any other question, so you can chart, filter and cut by them.

For theme-based coding after data comes in, see AI Topics.