# Filters at collection

> How Calc prompts for filter values when you Collect, and how to skip them.

A template can narrow what it collects using **filters**. Some run silently;
others ask you for a value each time. When a template has filters that need
input, Calc shows a **Collect filters** prompt before it pulls the data.

## The three kinds of filter

| Filter | What you do |
| --- | --- |
| **Fixed** | Nothing - it is always applied (for example, only this project). |
| **Prefilled** | A default is offered; change it or accept it. |
| **Prompted** | You supply a value before collecting. |

Only prefilled and prompted filters appear in the Collect filters prompt. Fixed
filters are applied for you.

## Answering the prompt

Each filter asks for the kind of value its field expects:

- **Text** - type a value.
- **List** - choose from the configuration's list (for example *Sample
  type*).
- **Unit** - choose a unit (for example metres).
- **Location** - search and select one or more locations. You can also pick a
  **location group** to select a whole set of locations at once.

<Callout type="tip" title="Collecting by location">
  Location filters are the common case - "collect just these boreholes". Use a
  location group to grab a defined set (for example *North site*) without
  ticking each location by hand.
</Callout>

## Collecting without filters

If you want everything, choose **Collect without filters** in the prompt. Calc
skips filtering for that run and collects the full data set for each table.

<Callout type="note" title="Filters are per Collect">
  Your answers apply to that Collect only. Collect again and you can choose
  different values - handy for producing the same template for several locations
  in turn.
</Callout>