Instructions define what participants are asked to do in AI Task Builder. The same instruction types are available for both Batches and Collections.
For usage details, see Working with Batches or Working with Collections.
All instructions share these fields:
AI Task Builder supports the following instruction types:
A selection from a list of options. Use answer_limit to control single or multi-select behavior.
By default, when there are 5 or more options, a dropdown select element is rendered instead of checkboxes or radio buttons. Set disable_dropdown: true to always use checkboxes (for multi-select) or radio buttons (for single-select) regardless of option count.
An open-ended text input field. Optionally includes validation constraints for the input value.
A text input field where participants provide a numeric or text value along with a unit selection (e.g., measurements in cm or inches, weights in kg or lbs). The unit selector can appear before (prefix) or after (suffix) the text input.
A selection from options, where each option has a heading and an associated free text field. Use this when you need participants to both select an option and provide additional context.
By default, when there are 5 or more options, a dropdown select element is rendered instead of checkboxes or radio buttons. Set disable_dropdown: true to always use checkboxes (for multi-select) or radio buttons (for single-select) regardless of option count.
In this example, options are grouped under “Accuracy” and “Clarity” headings. Each selection includes an associated free text field for the participant to elaborate.
A file submission field for participants to upload images, documents, or other files. Useful for collecting photos, documents, screenshots, or any file-based data from participants.
Validation rules:
".pdf", not "pdf")max_file_size_mb must be a positive numbermin_file_count must be at least 1max_file_count must be greater than or equal to min_file_countaccepted_file_types, the instruction will only accept common image formats (JPG, PNG, HEIC, HEIF)The optional validation object can be added to free_text instructions (top-level) and to individual unit_options items in free_text_with_unit instructions. It allows researchers to set min/max bounds on participant input.
"number" — The input must be numeric. min and max constrain the numeric value. Use this for measurements, ages, quantities, etc."string" — The input is treated as text. min and max constrain the character count. Use this to enforce minimum or maximum text lengths.min and max are provided, min must be less than or equal to maxtype: "string", min and max must be non-negative integersmin or max to null (or omitting it) means that direction is unbounded