What these fields do
Text fields let respondents enter freeform written content. Filla supports three text field types that map directly to their Airtable equivalents:- Single line text: a one-line input, best for short answers like names, IDs, or short labels
- Multiline text: a resizable textarea for longer answers like descriptions or notes
- Rich text: a full WYSIWYG editor with formatting options (bold, italic, headings, lists, links)
Settings reference
All three field types share the following settings.Universal settings
See Labels and descriptions, Required fields and validation, Default values and prefilling, Conditional visibility, and Conditional read-only for settings that apply to every field type.Single line text settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Placeholder text | Hint text shown inside the input when it’s empty. Supports @ variable references to personalize the hint. |
| Default value | Pre-filled value when the form loads. Supports @ variable references. |
| Hide typed characters | Characters appear as dots (like a password field). Use this for PINs, access codes, or reference IDs you don’t want visible on screen. |
| Address autocomplete | Show Google Maps address suggestions as the respondent types. See Address autocomplete. |
| Minimum characters | The minimum number of characters required before the field is considered valid. |
| Maximum characters | The maximum number of characters allowed. The form blocks input beyond this limit. |
Multiline text settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Placeholder text | Hint text shown inside the textarea when it’s empty. Supports @ variable references. |
| Default value | Pre-filled value when the form loads. Supports @ variable references. |
| Address autocomplete | Show Google Maps address suggestions as the respondent types. |
| Minimum characters | Minimum character count required. |
| Maximum characters | Maximum character count allowed. |
Rich text settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Placeholder text | Hint text shown inside the editor when it’s empty. |
| Default value | Pre-filled value when the form loads. |
| Minimum characters | Minimum character count required. |
| Maximum characters | Maximum character count allowed. |
Common questions
When should I use single line vs multiline vs rich text?
When should I use single line vs multiline vs rich text?
Use single line text for short, structured answers (names, codes, titles). Use multiline text when you expect longer free-form responses but plain text is fine (feedback, descriptions, addresses). Use rich text when you want respondents to format their content with headings, lists, or links, for example a blog post body or a detailed proposal.
Can I use the same field for address entry?
Can I use the same field for address entry?
Yes. Enable Address autocomplete on a single line text or multiline text field. As the respondent types, Google Maps suggestions appear as a dropdown. Selecting one fills the field with the formatted address.
What does 'hide typed characters' do?
What does 'hide typed characters' do?
It renders the input as a password field. Typed characters show as dots. Use this when you want respondents to enter a value (like an ID or code) without it being visible on screen. The value is stored normally in Airtable.
Can I reference earlier answers in a text field's default value?
Can I reference earlier answers in a text field's default value?
Yes. In the Default value setting, type
@ to open the variable picker and select any field from the form. The default value resolves dynamically when the form loads.