Hello,

I use LimeSurvey Pro version 3.23.1 and would like to add a custom question type based on the Select2 package (searchable dropdown list).

I tried following the instructions here: github.com/tpartner/LimeSurvey-Searchable-Dropdown for version 3.x, but I am confused about the /upload/themes/question folder where the Searchable-Dropdown folder should be pasted. Is this only possible in LimeSurvey CE, or is there a way to do it in Pro?

I downloaded CE to see how it worked and I found the folder, but I can't seem to find the equivalent in Pro - or is there no equivalent? I know how to modify simple template codes in Pro, but I can't seem to find a way to upload a full folder to an extended template. I have also tried uploading all of the Searchable-Dropdown folder contents separately to no avail.

I realize that this question is quite basic, but I've been confused about the possibilities of Pro compared to CE for a while now (even after reading the Pro vs CE rubric in the manual). Any direct, basic explanation of how to add a custom question type into LimeSurvey Pro would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

As far as I know, these files need to be dropped directly into the folder via FTP or SSH, there is not upload function.

On Limesurvey Pro you probably don't have a way to upload these. Here in the forum, most of us are volunteers with no insights into the structure and setup of Limesurvey Pro and what permissions a user has or not.

As you seem to be a paying client of Limesurvey Pro, you can create a support ticket with the Limesurvey GmbH. They will be the only ones that can give you an definite answer if it is possible to upload this file to Limesurvey Pro.

I realize that this question is quite basic, but I've been confused about the possibilities of Pro compared to CE for a while now (even after reading the Pro vs CE rubric in the manual). Any direct, basic explanation of how to add a custom question type into LimeSurvey Pro would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

And to add on this: Limesurvey Pro and Limesurvey CE are basically the same software. As far as I know the Pro and CE have exactly the same features. The difference is basically that the Pro Version is hosted by the Limesurvey GmbH and they are responsible for the server administration, hosting, updates, etc.(SaaS - Softare as a Service).

On the other hand with the CE-Edition you are responsible for installing it on a webserver, hosting it, updating it, configuring it, etc.

In terms of functionality out of the box they should be both the same.

Thanks for your quick reply. I'll try contacting Limesurvey GmBH's technical support. Up until now I've been able to use the forums and figure out where to use the CE codes in Pro, but this seems more complicated/maybe impossible. I'll come back and update if I find a solution in case it can help someone else!

Everything that has to do with Limesurvey core should work equally in CE and Pro. So for most things you can use the forum and the solutions provided here. What you can not do (at least yourself) with Limesurvey Pro is install plugins, etc. As Tpartners explanations show, in LS 4.x you would be able to upload the files directly via the interface, so once LS 4.x is stable and rolled out on Limesurvey Pro, you should be able to upload the question template without needing access via FTP or SSH.

So if you want/need to use this question template, your only chance is asking via support ticket if they can upload it for you. Not sure if this is within the scope what they are doing, because this is some custom stuff, which often is not covered by normal SaaS support, especially for the relatively low monthly fee. But it doesn't hurt asking.

Update: the plugin was not readily available on Pro and would have cost 120 EUR for a specialist to install. Not necessarily a dealbreaker depending on your funding, but after spending 200 EUR for the Pro version as a PhD student, I wasn't too keen on it.

Upon the very helpful IT guy's suggestion, I ended up using this code: forums.limesurvey.org/forum/can-i-do-thi...lete?start=15#197287

It's not as versatile as select2 since you can't select multiple tags within a single text box, but I applied the code to a multiple short text question with 5 numbered text boxes to allow respondents to choose 5 options out of the full list. A bit wonky but still looks reasonably professional, in case anyone else is ever looking for an alternative to select2.

Thanks again for your help holch, I'm glad I could get this sorted out!

Great that it worked out!

For a business 120 Euro is probably nothing, but I know how it is as a student and 120 Euro missing in the budget can make a big difference at the end of the month.

Glad to hear that you found a solution that worked for you!