An LSS file is a LimeSurvey Structure file. LimeSurvey uses the .lss file extension to export and import complete survey structures : including question groups, questions, answer options, logic, and survey settings. If you work with LimeSurvey surveys, you will encounter LSS files whenever you need to back up, transfer, or migrate a survey.
What Is an LSS File?
An LSS file is LimeSurvey's native survey export format. It captures the full structure of a LimeSurvey survey in a single portable file. You can export any survey as an LSS file, move it to another LimeSurvey installation, and import it to recreate the survey exactly : including all question groups, questions, subquestions, answer codes, and relevance logic.
LSS quick facts
| Extension | .lss |
| Platform | LimeSurvey |
| Format | XML-based survey structure |
| Contains | Questions, groups, answers, logic, settings |
| Does not contain | Response data, participant lists, collected data |
| Compare to | QSF (Qualtrics), QSFI (Qualtrics import), TXT (SurveyMonkey) |
What Is Inside an LSS File?
LSS files are XML-based. Open any LSS file in a text editor and you will find structured XML with the following elements:
| XML Element | What It Contains |
|---|---|
surveys | Top-level survey settings: title, language, format, navigation |
groups | Question groups with labels and display order |
questions | Each question with type code, title, mandatory flag, and text |
subquestions | Matrix rows, ranking items, and multi-part question components |
answers | Answer options with code, text, and sort order |
conditions / relevance | Branching logic and display conditions |
defaultvalues | Pre-filled response values |
quotas | Quota rules and limits |
Because LSS files are XML, advanced users can open and edit them carefully. For most teams, importing directly into LimeSurvey or converting to another platform format is the safer path.
LSS vs QSF: What Is the Difference?
| LSS (.lss) | QSF (.qsf) | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | LimeSurvey | Qualtrics |
| Format | XML | JSON |
| Contains | Survey structure + logic | Survey structure + flow + logic |
| Use case | LimeSurvey backup and migration | Qualtrics backup and migration |
| Can be converted | LSS to QSF via Pirai AI (coming soon) | QSF to LSS via Pirai AI (coming soon) |
| Open with | LimeSurvey, any XML editor | Qualtrics, any JSON editor |
For a full QSF guide, see What Is a QSF File? Complete Guide.
How to Export an LSS File from LimeSurvey
- 1Open your survey in LimeSurveyLog in to LimeSurvey and navigate to the survey you want to export.
- 2Go to Survey > ExportIn the top navigation, click Survey, then select Export.
- 3Select Export survey structure (.lss)Choose Export survey structure (.lss) from the export options. LimeSurvey downloads the .lss file to your device.
How to Import an LSS File into LimeSurvey
- 1Go to Create Survey > ImportIn LimeSurvey, go to the Surveys list. Click Create a new survey and select the Import tab.
- 2Upload your LSS fileClick Choose file, select your .lss file, and click Import survey.
- 3Review the imported surveyLimeSurvey recreates the survey structure. Review all question groups, questions, and logic in the survey editor before activating.
How to Convert an LSS File to Another Platform
The most common LSS conversion need is migrating a LimeSurvey survey to Qualtrics. There is no native conversion path between the two platforms. Pirai AI accepts LSS files and converts them to the correct format for Qualtrics, REDCap, SurveyMonkey, Microsoft Forms, Google Forms, and 15+ other platforms.
LSS conversion support is coming soon to Pirai AI. The existing LimeSurvey to Qualtrics migration guide covers the current workflow. When LSS direct upload launches, this page will be updated with step-by-step conversion instructions.
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Related Resources
For the QSF equivalent of this guide, see What Is a QSF File? Complete Guide. For migrating from LimeSurvey to Qualtrics, see How to Migrate from LimeSurvey to Qualtrics. For the full platform migration reference, see the Survey Platform Migration Guide.