Using Collections on iOS

Create and manage Collections on iPhone and iPad with touch-optimized workflows.

Collections work beautifully on iOS, with touch-optimized interfaces designed for iPhone and iPad. This guide walks through creating and managing a client database on mobile, demonstrating the complete Collections workflow.

Example: Client Database

This tutorial shows how to build a client database with contact information, project notes, and payment records – all from your iPhone or iPad.

Creating a Collection with Fields

First, decide what information you need to track. In this example, we’ll create fields for client management:

• Name
• Country
• Email
• Phone Number
• Touchpoint
• Industry

Create your Collection inside a dedicated document meant to hold your database.

On iOS, you can add fields by tapping the + button in the field configuration panel. The mobile interface is optimized for touch, making field setup quick and intuitive.

Adding Rows to Your Collection

Once your fields are configured, adding new entries is straightforward. Use either the Add button at the top right or the + button at the bottom left.

The value of having predefined fields becomes clear here – it’s much faster to fill in data when categories and tags are already set up.

Adding Content to Cells

Each cell in a Collection acts like a subpage in Craft. You can format and style it however you want, storing additional notes and context.

In this example, we add a client’s initial proposal email to their entry.

Cells support all Craft formatting – add links, images, lists, or even nested pages to create comprehensive records for each entry.

Deleting Rows and Content

Long press on any row to access deletion options. You can:

• Delete the entire row – Removes the entry completely
• Clear cell content – Keeps the row but removes data from specific cells

Managing Field Values

Adding Values on the Go

When you need a new option for a select field, type it directly and tap Add Option.

Deleting Values

To remove a value from a select field:

1. Tap on the field header to open field settings.

2. Tap the value you want to delete.

3. Select Delete from the options.

4. Tap Apply to save changes.

Filtering, Sorting, and Grouping

Access these powerful view options through the three-dot menu beside the Add button.

Filter

Show only entries that match specific criteria.

1. Tap the three-dot menu at the top right.

2. Select Filter and choose your field.

3. Set your filter conditions.

4. Tap outside the configuration to apply.

Sort

Arrange entries based on field values.

1. Tap the three-dot menu at the top right.

2. Select Sort and choose your field.

3. Choose ascending or descending order.

4. Tap outside to apply the sorting.

Group

Organize entries into groups based on field values.

1. Tap the three-dot menu at the top right.

2. Select Group and choose your field.

3. Tap outside to apply – groups are automatically created and labeled.

Removing Filters, Sorts, or Groups

To clear any of these view configurations:

1. Open the three-dot menu.

2. Tap the trash icon next to the active filter, sort, or group.

iOS-Specific Features

Collections on iOS include several mobile-optimized features:

• Long press menus – Quick access to row and cell actions
• Touch gestures – Swipe and tap to navigate between entries
• Bottom navigation – Key actions accessible with one thumb
• Optimized layout – Field views adapt to your screen size

For the best experience on iPhone, keep your Collections under 500 rows. On iPad, you can comfortably work with larger datasets (up to 1,000 rows).

Related Articles

Collections Overview

Collection Field Types

Collection Views