Use AI to draft a client-ready questionnaire based on your prompt, the client’s data, and (optionally) supporting documents. The AI customizes the content to your template and produces an editable questionnaire you can fine-tune before sending.
Why it matters
Cut prep time for organizers and intake forms.
Tailor questions to each client’s situation using existing data and files.
Keep your workflow consistent by layering AI on top of your firm’s questionnaire templates.
Table of Contents
Draft a Questionnaire with AI
Click the global + icon in the navigation bar.
Select Questionnaire from the menu.
Toggle on Draft using AI.
This uses the client’s Canopy data and previously submitted documents to generate questions tailored to them.
Prompt: In the text box, describe what you need (e.g., “Collect tax info for the 2025 tax year” or “New client intake”).
Convert File to Questionnaire (optional): Attach a file to further customize results (e.g., prior returns, statements).
Choose Existing file (from the Client Record, Internal Files, or My Files) or New file (upload from your computer).
Title: Enter a questionnaire title.
Template: Select a Questionnaire template to apply your firm’s formatting and structure.
When a template is used, the AI will customize its sections based on your prompt and files.
If you choose a template, AI can also generate a title for you.
Client: Select the client.
Assignee(s): Add internal assignees as needed.
Client Due Date (optional): Set a due date.
Client Reminder (optional): Add a reminder.
Click Create to generate the questionnaire.
Heads up: Questionnaire generation can take a few minutes depending on the length and attached files.
You don’t have to stay on the page—click the X in the top-right corner to close the pop-up window. The questionnaire will automatically save as a draft in the client’s task list, and you’ll get a notification when it’s ready.
Review and Edit the Generated Questionnaire
Once the questionnaire is generated, it opens automatically in the editor. If you close the loading window before generation is complete, go to your notifications to open it once it’s ready.
Navigate to the Profile Icon > Notifications > Client Requests and click on the questionnaire notification to open the questionnaire.
Make edits as you would for any questionnaire (rename groups, tweak questions, adjust required fields, etc.).
If the AI suggested questions you don’t need, delete them; if it missed something, add it.
Tip: Keep firm-standard sections in your template; use the AI prompt/files to tailor client-specific sections. This balances speed with consistency.
Send, Save as Draft, or Save as Template
Click Save.
Choose one of the following options:
Save as draft – Keeps the questionnaire editable and not yet visible to the client.
To continue later, go to Templates in the navigation bar.
Select Questionnaire > Drafts.
Open the draft to finish editing and send when ready.
Save as template – Opens a modal to create a reusable version of the questionnaire.
In the modal, select a Template type (Client intake, Tax organizer, or Other).
(Optional) Add a Template description.
Under Save to, choose where to store the template:
Team – Shared with your team.
Private – Only visible to you.
Draft – Saves as a draft version.
Click Save.
To view or use the saved template, go to Templates in the navigation bar and open the tab you saved it to.
To send the questionnaire immediately, click Send instead of Save.
Select the contacts to receive the organizer.
Click Send to (x) contacts.
A confirmation notification appears once it’s sent.
Open a Saved Draft
Go to the Client Record or your Task List.
Find the questionnaire with Status: Draft.
Click the task name to open, edit, and (when ready) send to the client.
Troubleshooting
I don’t see strong customization from AI.
Strengthen your prompt with specifics (year, entity type, services) and add a representative file (e.g., last year’s return).
The wrong contacts appear on Send.
Verify the client’s primary and related contacts are set correctly before sending.
The template format didn’t apply as expected.
Confirm you selected the intended Questionnaire template before clicking Create; adjust sections manually if needed.
It’s taking a while to generate.
Large prompts and attached PDFs can increase generation time; wait for completion, then edit as usual.
Summary
AI drafting accelerates questionnaire prep by combining your prompt, client data, and supporting files with your firm’s standard template. You get a head start that’s fully editable—review, fine-tune, and send with reminders and due dates to keep clients on track.
Need help?
Contact Support or ask Penny, our AI Support Bot, for assistance.