How to Use Aiken Format
The complete guide to writing multiple-choice questions in Aiken format for Moodle, Google Forms, and other learning platforms.
Quick Answer
Aiken format is a text-based format used to create multiple-choice questions for quizzes and learning platforms. Each question includes answer options labeled A, B, C, and D with the correct answer specified at the end using ANSWER: X notation. Questions are separated by blank lines.
What is Aiken Format?
Aiken format is a standardized, human-readable text format for writing multiple-choice questions. It was originally developed for Moodle, one of the world's most popular learning management systems (LMS). Today, Aiken format is used across many educational platforms including Google Forms, Canvas, and Blackboard.
The key advantage of Aiken format is its simplicity. Unlike XML-based formats like QTI (Question and Test Interoperability), Aiken questions can be written in any plain text editor — including Notepad, Google Docs, or even within a PDF document.
Aiken Format Syntax Rules
Question text
The question must appear on a single line. It can be any text including numbers and special characters.
Answer options
Each option starts with a capital letter followed by a closing parenthesis or period: A) or A.. Each option goes on its own line.
Correct answer
The last line must be ANSWER: X where X is the letter of the correct option. "ANSWER" must be uppercase.
Question separator
Separate each question with one or more blank lines.
Aiken Format Examples
Basic Example (4 options)
What is the capital of Japan? A) Beijing B) Seoul C) Tokyo D) Bangkok ANSWER: C
Example with 5 options
Which of the following is NOT a primary color? A) Red B) Blue C) Green D) Yellow E) Purple ANSWER: E
Multiple Questions
What is 2 + 2? A) 3 B) 4 C) 5 D) 6 ANSWER: B Which planet is closest to the Sun? A) Venus B) Earth C) Mercury D) Mars ANSWER: C What is the boiling point of water in Celsius? A) 50°C B) 100°C C) 150°C D) 200°C ANSWER: B
Common Aiken Format Mistakes
Missing "ANSWER:" line
Every question must end with an ANSWER line. Without it, the parser cannot identify the correct answer.
Lowercase "answer:"
The word ANSWER must be in uppercase letters. "answer: B" or "Answer: B" will not be recognized.
Missing space after colon
There must be a space between the colon and the answer letter: "ANSWER: B" not "ANSWER:B".
Inconsistent option formatting
Keep option labels consistent. Use either "A)" or "A." throughout, not a mix of both styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use Aiken format for true/false questions?
- Yes. Use two options: A) True and B) False, with the corresponding ANSWER line.
- Does Aiken format support images?
- Standard Aiken format is text-only. For questions with images, you may need to use GIFT or QTI format instead, or add images manually after import.
- Can I import Aiken format into Google Forms?
- Google Forms doesn't natively support Aiken import. Use 18+ PDF's Aiken to Google Quiz Converter to transform Aiken questions into a Google Forms-compatible format.
- What's the maximum number of options per question?
- Aiken format supports options from A through Z (up to 26), but most platforms work best with 2-6 options per question.