> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ngsurvey.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ngsurvey.com/projects/import-export/xlsform/survey-sheet/appearances.md).

# Appearances

The appearance column in the survey sheet lets you control how a question is displayed to the user. It does not change the question type, but modifies how it's rendered on screen.

Below are the supported appearance values:

**minimal** Displays a compact dropdown or minimal version of the input. Often used with select\_one questions to reduce space.

**compact** Renders select options as compact buttons instead of long lists. Great for quicker selection.

**field-list** Used with groups to display all the questions in that group on the same page.

**label** Used with select\_one or select\_multiple to display only the label of the choice, without a button, checkbox, or radio input. Useful for visual layout tweaks.

**likert** Formats select\_one choices in a Likert-style layout, useful for agreement scales or rating responses.

**horizontal** Displays choices in a horizontal row instead of the default vertical stack.

**month-year** Allows users to select only the month and year. Commonly used with date fields when day-level accuracy is not needed.

**signature** Displays a signature pad where the user can draw their signature. Works with image or draw-type questions.

**draw** Enables the user to draw on the screen, often used for sketches or maps.

**multiline** For text questions, shows a larger input box allowing multi-line responses, like a comment box.


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