> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://strella-7d79fa26-mintlify-8c581790.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Setting Up a Participant Screener in Strella Studies

> Build your screener from scratch, paste an existing one, or let AI generate targeted questions—so every interview slot goes to a qualified applicant.

A screener filters applicants before they reach your interview, saving you time and ensuring every session counts. When you're ready to start recruiting, navigate to the **Recruit** page and select the **Screener** tab to get started.

## Choose how to create your screener

Strella gives you three starting points:

* **Start from Scratch** — Build your screener manually with a blank canvas.
* **Paste an Existing Guide** — Copy in a pre-written screener and Strella will structure it for you automatically.
* **Generate with AI** — Describe your target audience and let Strella draft the screener questions for you.

<Tip>
  If you already have a screener document in another tool, **Paste an Existing Guide** is the fastest path—Strella will parse the text and create structured questions in seconds.
</Tip>

## Generate a screener with AI

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Generate with AI">
    On the Screener tab, choose the **Generate with AI** option.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your recruitment method">
    Select whether you are finding participants through **self-recruitment** (your own candidate pool) or **panel recruitment** (Strella's partner panels).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Describe your target audience">
    Enter details about the participants you're looking for—relevant skills, professional experience, demographics, behaviors, or any other traits that matter for your study.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit and review">
    Click **Submit**. Strella's AI will generate a draft screener based on your description. Review the questions and make any edits you need before saving.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Available question types

Choose the question format that best captures the information you need from each applicant.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Single Select" icon="circle-dot">
    Respondents pick exactly one answer from a list of options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi Select" icon="square-check">
    Respondents can choose all answers that apply.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Number Slider" icon="sliders">
    Respondents select a numeric value within a defined range.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Single Line Text" icon="minus">
    Respondents type a short free-text answer.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi-Line Text" icon="align-left">
    Respondents type a longer free-text response.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Edit your screener

After your screener is created—whether by AI, paste, or manual entry—you can refine it using the following editing tools:

| Action                         | How to do it                                                                |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Add a question**             | Click the **+** icon between any two existing questions                     |
| **Reorder questions**          | Drag and drop the **6-dot handle** at the top of any question card          |
| **Toggle required / optional** | Click the **Required** toggle on any question card                          |
| **Duplicate a question**       | Click the **double-square icon** in the bottom-right corner of the question |
| **Delete a question**          | Click the **trash icon** in the bottom-right corner of the question         |

<Note>
  Mark questions as **Required** when an answer is essential for qualification. Use **Optional** for additional context that is helpful but not disqualifying.
</Note>

## Save your screener

Once you're happy with your questions, click **Save**. Your screener is now active and will be shown to participants when they apply for your study.

<Info>
  After saving, you can return to the Screener tab at any time to make changes. Updates take effect immediately for new applicants.
</Info>