Does this tool replace KoboToolbox validation?

No. It creates a planning starter and CSV exports. Teams still need to build or upload the form in KoboToolbox, validate the XLSForm, test skip logic, test translations, train enumerators, and pilot before deployment.

Can I use this for sensitive humanitarian data?

Use the tool for planning and non-sensitive form structures only. Do not enter survivor details, protection case data, names, phone numbers, addresses, medical records, or raw beneficiary records.

What sheets does an XLSForm usually use?

A basic XLSForm commonly uses survey, choices, and settings sheets. The survey sheet defines questions, the choices sheet defines option lists, and the settings sheet holds form metadata such as form title and form ID.

Kobo / XLSForm checklist generator

Build a safer field-data form before the team reaches the field.

Create a starter XLSForm-style structure for KoboToolbox, then review consent, skip logic, required fields, choices, data protection, enumerator notes, and pre-test steps before deployment.

Generate starter form Field-data hub

Starter generator

Create survey, choices, and settings sheets.

Generated sheets

No starter form generated yet.

Generate a starter structure, then copy or export each sheet as CSV.

Your XLSForm-style starter will appear here. This browser tool does not submit your form data to The Change Architect.

Pre-deployment checklist

Do this before real field collection.

Purpose

Only collect what you use

Question linked to decision
No unnecessary personal data
Clear analysis plan
Known owner for each variable

Consent

Respect participation

Plain-language purpose
Voluntary participation
Referral limits explained
Data-use boundaries

Logic

Test every path

Skip logic works
Required fields are justified
Choice lists are complete
Translation checked

Quality

Design for clean data

Enumerator instructions
Range checks
Duplicate prevention
Daily review routine

Protection

Reduce harm

No unsafe questions
Referral pathway known
Device security plan
Access permissions limited

Pilot

Field-test first

Test on real device
Mock interviews
Download export checked
Fix log documented

Need help with field data?

Request Kobo or XLSForm support.

Use this for a survey structure review, XLSForm starter support, enumerator workflow, data-quality checklist, or safe field-data setup. The request will be routed as a field-data/Kobo item.

Reference points

Use official form guidance for validation and deployment.

KoboToolbox XLSForm supportOfficial Kobo guidance for creating and uploading XLSForm survey structures. XLSForm documentationThe core XLSForm reference for survey, choices, settings, question types, constraints, and logic. KoboToolbox supportOfficial support documentation for form building, deployment, collection, and data management.