# Data Capture

Data capture allows you to collect participant information before photos are delivered. You control exactly what information is gathered and whether completing the form is optional or required for guests to receive their photos.

Data capture appears near the end of the participant journey as part of the sharing flow. You can [access your data](/accounts-and-billing/event-management/accessing-captured-data.md) from your Simple Booth account or via on of our 

{% hint style="danger" %}
**If data capture is disabled during an event, participant information cannot be recovered for those sessions.** Always double-check that data capture is enabled and your fields are active before your event begins.
{% endhint %}

***

#### How it Works

Data capture acts as a required or optional step between the editing process and the final delivery of the photo.

* **The Transition:** After a guest advances from editing their photo (or opting into your gallery), they are directed to your custom form before they can reach the sharing options.
* **Information Gathering:** The form displays the specific fields you have enabled, such as name, email, or custom questions.
* **Automatic Sharing:** By submitting contact information on the form, participants will automatically receive their media via that channel. When they advance to the final sharing page, they can use any other sharing methods you have enabled.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Keep it Short** 

To maintain a high completion rate and keep the line moving, only ask for essential information. Guests are much more likely to complete a form with 2–3 fields than a lengthy questionnaire.
{% endhint %}

***

#### Configuring Data Capture

1. **Toggle Enable:** Use the switch in the **Data Capture** settings card to turn on the tool. 
2. **Add Standard Fields:** Check the boxes for the information you wish to collect (e.g., Email, Name, Phone).
3. **Add Custom Fields (Select Plan Only):** If you need specific information, click "Add Custom Field" to create your own questions or legal disclaimers.
4. **Set as** [**Optional or Required**](#optional-vs.-required-data-capture)**:** Configure your [**Send & Print**](/copy-of-halo-app/experience-designer/post-capture/send-and-print.md) settings to determine if guests can skip this step (see details below).

***

#### Available Fields

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Standard Fields" %}
These can be enabled or disabled via checkbox from either the app or your online dashboard:

* Email address
* First & Last name
* Phone number
* Postal code
* Date of birth
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Custom Fields" %}
Custom fields allow for tailored questions and must be configured in the online dashboard.

* **Text fields:** For typed responses.
* **Checkboxes:** For simple "yes/no" or selection questions.
* **Required checkboxes:** Must be checked before the form can be submitted.
* **Custom legal terms:** Add your own Terms of Service or Privacy Policy directly to the form.

{% hint style="success" %}
Select Plan Only
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

***

#### Optional vs. Required Data Capture

You can control whether the form is a suggestion or a requirement by adjusting your **Send & Print** settings.

* **Optional:** Enable one or more sharing options (like Email or Text) in the [**Send & Print**](/copy-of-halo-app/experience-designer/post-capture/send-and-print.md) settings. Guests will see a "Skip" button; if they skip, they will simply enter their contact info on the next screen to get their photo.
* **Required:** Disable all sharing options in the **Send & Print** settings. This makes the data capture form mandatory—guests must complete it to receive their photo.

{% hint style="info" %}
Collecting data from every session is never guaranteed. 

If a guest does not wish to share their personal information, they can choose to discard their photo. Alternatively, if a guest walks away without completing the form, the app will eventually time out and reset to the start screen for the next participant.
{% endhint %}

***

{% hint style="success" %}

## Plan Availability

**Standard Fields**

:white\_check\_mark: Pro, Select

:x: Lite, Core, Plus

**Custom Fields**

:white\_check\_mark: Select

:x: Lite, Core, Plus, Pro
{% endhint %}


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