> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.pears.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.pears.io/engage/program-activities/collect-survey-responses-with-a-public-link.md).

# Collect Survey Response Data with a Public Link

PEARS allows you to create a publicly available link that participants can use to submit their survey responses online. This is useful for collecting responses remotely without needing to enter the data manually.

## Share the Public Link

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Open the Attached Survey

On the Evaluation page of the program activity, find the attached survey in the list and click the **Share** button.\ <img src="/files/Tf47bEQSfljuFZ75Ss9y" alt="Survey share button" data-size="original">
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Copy the Link or QR Code

A dialog appears with:

* **Public Link URL** — Copy this URL and share it with participants via email, messaging, or any other method.
* **QR Code** — A scannable QR code that links to the survey. Participants can scan the QR code with their phone to open the survey directly.

{% hint style="info" %}
**TIP:** Print the QR code and display it at your program activity location so participants can easily access the survey on their phones.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Distribute to Participants

Share the link or QR code with your program participants. When participants open the link, they will see the survey questions and can submit their responses directly. No PEARS account is required.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## How Participant Responses Are Collected

When a participant submits a response through the public link:

* The response is automatically saved to the program activity in PEARS.
* The response count on the Evaluation page updates to reflect the new submission.
* The participant sees a confirmation page after submitting their response.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**NOTE:** If the public link has an expiration date and that date has passed, participants will not be able to submit responses. Update the expiration date or create a new link if you need to continue collecting responses.
{% endhint %}