# Logging data

> Open a location's records and capture data into forms that match your configuration.

Logging is the everyday job in Log: open a location, pick a table, and capture
records into forms built from your configuration - with helpers that make entry
fast and consistent in the field.

## The logging screen

Open a location's records (its menu, then **View records**) and you get three
things working together:

- a **table menu** listing the location's parent and child tables, each with a
  record count,
- a **collection** switcher, so the tables and fields match how you are working,
- the **grid** of records for the current table, where you add and edit.

## The basic loop

<Steps>
  <Step title="Pick a table">
    Choose a table from the table menu - for example *Samples*.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Add a record">
    Tap **Add (+)** to open a blank form, fill in the fields, and save.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Keep going">
    Turn on **Create more** to keep the form open for rapid, record-after-record
    entry, or tap a row to edit an existing record.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## In this section

<Cards>
  <Card title="Adding and editing records" href="/log/logging-data/records">
    The grid, adding and editing, switching tables and collections, and Create
    more.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Fields and entry helpers" href="/log/logging-data/fields">
    Field types, required fields, visibility, defaults, copy previous and
    autofill.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Child tables and depth links" href="/log/logging-data/child-tables">
    Open the nested data some records carry, and pull values in by depth.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Flags" href="/log/logging-data/flags">
    Flag records for review as you log.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Completing a location" href="/log/logging-data/completing-a-location">
    Check required fields and mark a location complete.
  </Card>
  <Card title="The Builder" href="/log/logging-data/builder">
    Compose structured descriptions from your standard terms.
  </Card>
</Cards>