# Importing new questions

This function allows you to import questions from external text files, uploaded through a form, or by choosing a suitable file already in the course Files area.

## A note about character encodings

If your file contains non-ascii characters then it must use UTF-8 encoding. You may be able to select or convert to UTF-8 using your favourite editor, or it may be an option in the exporting software. Be particularly cautious with files generated by Microsoft Office applications, as these commonly use special encoding which will not be handled correctly. XML based import formats will be handled automatically provided your Moodle server is running PHP 5.

A number of file formats are supported:

## GIFT format

GIFT is the most comprehensive import format available for importing Moodle quiz questions from a text file. It was designed to be an easy method for teachers writing questions as a text file. It supports Multiple-Choice, True-False, Short Answer, Matching and Numerical questions, as well as insertion of a _____ for the "missing word" format. Various question-types can be mixed in a single text file, and the format also supports line comments, question names, feedback and percentage-weight grades. Below are some examples:

    Who's buried in Grant's tomb?{~Grant ~Jefferson =no one}

    Grant is {~buried =entombed ~living} in Grant's tomb.

    Grant is buried in Grant's tomb.{FALSE}

    Who's buried in Grant's tomb?{=no one =nobody}

    When was Ulysses S. Grant born?{#1822}

More info about the "GIFT" format

## Aiken Format

This is a simple format for importing multiple choice questions from a text file.

More info about the "Aiken" format

## Moodle XML format

This Moodle specific format imports quiz questions that have previously been exported in the same format. The format is straightforward and is best demonstrated by exporting a category in the Moodle XML format. The XML format is capabable of importing image files.

More info about the "Moodle XML" format

## Missing Word

This format only supports multiple choice questions and short answer question, depending on the number of answers. One answer generates a short answer question, two or more answers generate a multiple choice question. Each answer is separated with a tilde (~), and the correct answer is prefixed with an equals sign (=). Here is an example of a multiple choice question:

> As soon as we begin to explore our body parts as infants we become students of {=anatomy and physiology ~reflexology ~science ~experiment}, and in a sense we remain students for life.

Here is an example of a short answer question:

> As soon as we begin to explore our body parts as infants we become students of {=anatomy and physiology}, and in a sense we remain students for life.

## Blackboard

This module can import questions saved in Blackboard's "POOL" type export format. It relies on XML functions being compiled into your PHP. Note that you must first unpack the exported zip file and provide Moodle with the appropriate .dat file. Note that this version does not work with Blackboard Version 6 and newer.

## Blackboard V6+

This module can import questions saved in Blackboard's export format. It provides limited support for Blackboard Version 6 and 7. It relies on XML functions being compiled into your PHP. You must upload the zip file exported from Blackboard.

## WebCT

This module can import questions saved in WebCT's text-based format.

More info about the "WebCT" format

## Course Test Manager

This module can import questions saved in a Course Test Manager test bank. It relies on different ways of accessing the test bank, which is in a Microsoft Access database, depending on whether Moodle is running on a Windows or Linux web server.

On Windows it lets you upload the access database just like any other data import file.

On Linux, you must set up a windows machine on the same network with the Course Test Manager database and a piece of software called the ODBC Socket Server, which uses XML to transfer data to moodle on the Linux server.

Please read the full help file below before using this import class.

More info about the "CTM" format

## Embedded answers (Cloze)

This special purpose format imports just one type of question, the Embedded Answers (also known as Cloze) format.

More info about the "Cloze" format

## Learnwise format

This format can import multiple choice questions saved in Learnwise's XML format.

## Examview format

This format can import from Examview 4 XML files. Note that the older versions of Examview are not supported.

Import and Export formats are a pluggable resource. Other optional formats may be available in the Modules and Plugins database.