> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.metaforms.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.metaforms.ai/open-end-cleaning-and-coding/introduction-to-oe-coding/step-3-cleanup-and-translation.md).
# 3. Map response columns to questions
Mapping tells Metaforms which columns in the response file belong to each open-ended question.
#### Generate the first mapping
1. Open the **Map** stage.
2. Wait while Metaforms matches the response columns to the confirmed open-ended questions.
Use **Re-run AI mapping** if you need Metaforms to generate the suggestions again.
#### Review the mapping
The mapping workspace shows the response data on the left and the open-ended questions on the right.
* Use **All**, **Mapped**, **Unmapped**, and **Data issues** to filter columns.
* Use **Find column…** to search for a response column and move between matches.
* Select one column, then use **Map to question**. The question picker includes **Search questions…**.
* Drag a column or mapped-column chip onto a question to move it.
* Select the × on a mapped-column chip to unmap it.
* Use **Unassign** to return selected columns to the unmapped set.
* Use **Ignore** for columns that should not be used in cleaning or coding.
* Select a question card to focus its mapped columns in the response grid.
#### Resolve data issues
Metaforms checks whether columns can safely be grouped under the same question. A data issue appears when the same respondent has answers in overlapping columns that cannot be treated as one independent response set.
Review these columns under **Data issues**. You can remap them or leave them set aside. Set-aside columns are saved as ignored and are excluded from cleaning and coding.
#### Save the mapping
1. Check that every required response column is mapped to the correct question.
2. Select **Save mapping**.
3. If columns are still set aside, review the warning and choose either **Keep editing** or **Save mapping**.
Replacing the response file or changing a saved mapping can affect cleaning, code frames, QA findings, and exports. Metaforms shows an impact confirmation when downstream work must be removed or regenerated.
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# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://help.metaforms.ai/open-end-cleaning-and-coding/introduction-to-oe-coding/step-3-cleanup-and-translation.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.