How to Add Timer to a Quiz in Google Forms
Google Forms is a versatile tool for creating surveys and quizzes. And over the years, Forms has embraced a slew of different features and add-ons. From downloading files to limiting the type of responses, he has broadened his horizons a lot. But when it comes to quizzes, Forms doesn’t have a native method to set a timer for quizzes and tests.
Fortunately, this is not the end of the road. Using a few add-ons, you can set a timer for quizzes in Google Forms. The best part is that their setup is easy and doesn’t take a lot of time.
The first add-on we’ll explore is the aptly named Form Timer, while the second is called Extended Forms.
Now let’s see how to configure these add-ons and enable them in Google Forms.
How to set up the timer using the form timer in Google Forms
Step 1: To add Form Timer to your Google Forms, open a form and click on the three dot menu in the upper right corner. Select Add-ons from the list, which will redirect you to the Google Workplace Marketplace.
Search for Form Timer and install it.
2nd step: Once you have configured the questions for your quiz, turn off the following options on the Settings page,
- Edit after sending
- See link to submit another answer
Step 3: When done, click the Add-ons icon on the top ribbon and select Configure.
This will open a small window in the lower right corner. Then select Activate> Continue to the Form Timer link.
Note that this will redirect you to the Form Timer setup page for other setups.
To note: Refresh the page if you don’t see the configuration option.
Step 4: On the Form Timer page, click Set up> Test Config to enter the duration of your quiz. Note that the maximum duration of the quiz can be 180 minutes.
At the same time, you can also add start date and end time via timer controls.
Form Timer also allows you to inform your respondents of the time factor. Moreover, it also allows you to customize the message and the font color.
Once everything is set up, click the Save button (you guessed it correctly) to save your settings.
All you have to do is click on the Test link button to copy the link to your quiz and share it.
Note that respondents can use their Google account or email address to log in and attempt to take the quiz. Once the quiz is started, the timer will appear at the top of the page.
Form Timer Limitations
Like any other app, Form Timer is also not perfect and has some limitations.
On the one hand, the form does not automatically submit when the timer stops. Respondent will have to submit it manually before the timer goes off. Again, a candidate who has already attempted the quiz cannot reappear.
In such a case, you will first need to remove the candidate’s entry from the Form Timer page.
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How to add a timer using extended forms in Google Forms
Another add-on that allows you to add a timer to quizzes in Google Forms is Extended Forms. This works the same way, although Extended Forms offers a clean and simpler interface.
In addition, it allows automatic submission of forms when the deadline has passed.
Step 1: On the Google Forms page, click the three dot menu and select Add-ons, then search for Extended Forms to install it.
2nd step: After doing that, set up the quiz questions. At this point, turn off the “Required” option. Otherwise, the auto-submit feature will not work as expected.
Step 3: Now click on the Add-on icon, select Extended Forms and click on Configuration.
You will see a small window open in the lower right corner. Now all you have to do is toggle the switch for the “ Connect to ” button.
The setup takes a few minutes. When finished, you will see all the options for the forms, such as time limit and attempt limit.
Save the settings after you add the required setting. All you have to do is share the form link with the respondents.
Unlike Form Timer, Extended Forms does not allow you to add a custom message at the start of the quiz. But given the simple interface, the compromise seems worth it.
The good moment
Timing is the key in many quizzes, and these add-ons will help you manage those quizzes better. Naturally, both add-ons have their pros and cons and require a lot of self-testing to find the perfect solution. Note that you may need to subscribe to a paid plan if you are planning mass quizzes.
So which of these add-ons are you going to go for?
Last updated on May 8, 2021
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