Crowdfill · Guide
Fill a Google Form with random answers
Random answers are the usual way to fill a form with test data. They are also why so much test data looks wrong: a satisfaction scale where every score from 1 to 5 gets the same share, comments that contradict the ratings next to them, and an "Other" box full of nonsense. This guide shows the kinds of random you can use and when each one fits.
Five kinds of random
| Strategy | What it does | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Random | Every option is equally likely | Checking that every option works |
| Weighted | You set the exact share of each option | Matching a result you already know, such as 70% Yes |
| Tendency | Random, but leaning towards an option you pick | Showing a result that leans one way |
| Persona | Follows each respondent's mood through the whole form | Realistic surveys, NPS and satisfaction data |
| Cycle | Goes through the options in order | Making sure every option appears at least once |
Crowdfill has all five, plus Fixed for a question that should always get the same answer.
Lean an answer instead of fixing it
A tendency keeps the randomness but moves the centre. Pick the answer to lean towards and drag the strength from plain random to almost always. On a scale, the extra weight spreads to the neighbouring answers, so leaning towards 4 out of 5 gives mostly 3s, 4s and 5s with a few low scores. The Crowdfill page has a live example of the calculation.
Keep each person consistent
Real respondents are consistent. Someone who gives 2 out of 5 for satisfaction rarely says they would recommend you to a friend. In Crowdfill's Persona mode every generated person has a mood, drawn from the crowd you choose: a bell curve around an average mood, a polarized crowd of fans and critics, or anything goes. Each scale, rating, agree-or-disagree question and grid follows that person's mood, and so do their written comments.
Text answers that make sense
Random text is the quickest giveaway. Crowdfill reads each question and fills it with something that fits: a full name, an e-mail address that matches the name, an age within your validation rule, a city, or a comment or suggestion in the person's mood. When you want control, use a template such as {firstName} from {city}, a list of your own answers, a number range or a fixed value.
Try it without sending anything
The Preview tab generates up to 2,000 responses on the spot and shows how every question came out. Export them as CSV or JSON for a spreadsheet, a database seed or a chart mock-up, without submitting a single response to the form.
Questions
How do I fill a Google Form with random answers for free?
Add Crowdfill to Chrome, open the form, choose Pure random as the crowd, and send as many responses as you need from the Run tab.
Can I control the percentage of each answer?
Yes. Choose Weighted on the question and set the share of each option. Checkboxes can also have a chance per option, with a minimum and maximum number ticked.
Does it work with checkboxes, grids and dates?
Yes. It handles every question type except file upload: short answer, paragraph, multiple choice, checkboxes, dropdowns, linear scales, ratings, both kinds of grid, dates and times.
Crowdfill for Chrome