An integral aspect of filling out forms is the ability to collect data for lists of items. Entering list items individually and with their details within a submission is done with a List, Loop Screen, or Table.

Repeating Screen Types

There are several ways to repeat the fields within a screen. The simplest option is called a List, Tables allow for multiple repeated fields, and Loop Screen allow for more complicated configurations of how captured data is related to itself, i.e. through nested Loops or multiple internal screens related to one Key Field. Continue reading to learn how to determine when to use each repeating screen type.

Lists

Lists are the simplest repeating screen type because it is technically only one field, or column, repeated as many times as is needed for each particular submission. Some common examples of lists are:

• To Do list,
• Checklists,
• Grocery List,
• List of materials or parts needed for a particular procedure.

Visit the Help Center article, "What are Lists?" to learn more about the specifics of Lists.

Tables

Tables allow you to repeat a set of fields as many times as you need to — just like you adding another line item to a spreadsheet. You can then use the PDF Designer to customize how your table looks on your PDF reports.

If the above table was on a sheet of paper, you would be limited to the static set of rows that are printed on the sheet. Using GoCanvas digital forms removes that limitation and allows your users to add as many Item #s and their associated details as is needed — perhaps your entire inventory.

Visit the Help Center article, "Creating Tables in the Builder" to learn more about the specifics of Tables.

Loop Screens

For users that are familiar with the Legacy Builder, Loop Screens were previously the only type of repeating screen that allowed users to either capture data in a simple Table layout or in more complicated schemas, referred to as Advanced Loops.

Since Tables suffice for most use cases, the primary reason to opt for a Loop Screen over a Table is when a complicated repeating layout is needed. 

Visit the Help Center article, "Create an Advanced Loop in the Builder" to learn more about the specifics of Loop Screens.