What is Aiken format?

Aiken format is a simple plain-text way to write multiple choice questions so they can be imported into Moodle. Each question is one line, each answer choice starts with a letter and a period (A. B. C. D.), and a final line reads "ANSWER:" followed by the correct letter. It is the easiest Moodle import format to read and write by hand.

How do I convert questions to Aiken format?

Upload a Word file, PDF, or Google Doc of multiple choice questions to Formswrite, or paste them in. The AI detects each question, its options, and the correct answer, then exports a ready-to-import Aiken .txt file. There is no manual reformatting and no add-on to install.

How do I import an Aiken file into Moodle?

In your Moodle course, go to the question bank, choose Import, select the Aiken format, upload the .txt file, and import. The questions appear in your question bank, ready to add to a quiz.

What question types does Aiken support?

Aiken supports multiple choice and true/false questions. It does not support short answer, matching, cloze, or essay questions. For those, Formswrite can also export to Moodle XML or GIFT, which cover more question types.

Does Aiken format support more than four options?

Yes. You can use as many answer choices as you need, each on its own line starting with the next letter (A, B, C, D, E, and so on). The ANSWER line just needs the correct letter.

Is there a free way to create an Aiken file?

You can start for free with no credit card and see the converted questions. Exporting the Aiken file (like other platform exports) is available on a paid plan; the native Formswrite form and flashcard export are free.