# Understanding Data Entry Screens

Url: https://dealersip.com/KnowledgeBase/Understanding-Data-Entry-Screens-50088/
Last updated: 2025-12-27
Section: Understanding Data Entry Screens

The software follows a consistent approach for both **adding** and **editing** data. Whether you're creating a new purchase, sale, or lead, the interface and behavior remain similar across all modules.

## Data Entry Window Types

- Data entry screens may open as **full screen windows** or **sliding side panels** from the left or right. 
- Fullscreen windows can be **dragged** using the top title bar — useful on large screens or tablets. 

## Buttons and Actions

- **Save:** Adds a new entry or updates the existing one. 
- **Cancel:** Closes the window without saving changes. 
- **Reset:** (If available) Clears all input fields in the form. 
- These buttons are always found in the **bottom-right corner** of the window. 

## Common Input Types

- **Input:** Any box where the user types or selects values. 
- **Dropdown:** An input that opens a predefined list of options. 
  - Typing is not allowed directly. 
  - If the option list allows user-defined values, a **Create New** link will appear inside the dropdown to add a custom option.   
- **Required Fields:** 
  - Marked with a **red border on the left**. 
  - Also highlighted with **yellow background** to attract attention.   
- **Read-only Inputs:** Have a **grey background** and cannot be edited. 
- **Checkbox:** A small square that toggles a checkmark on click. 
- **Radio Button:** A circular option that toggles a dot on selection. 
- **Helper Icon:** A green circular icon with a **question mark**. Clicking it shows contextual help for that section. 

## Tabs and Sections

- For large forms, inputs are grouped into **tabs** to simplify navigation. 
- Each tab reveals a specific section of the form, like Transaction, Photos, Documents etc. 

## Input Grids

- Sections that resemble tables, but allow user input, are called **input grids** or **grids**. 
- Each row may include: 
  - A **green plus icon** to add a new row. 
  - A **red delete icon** to remove an existing row.   

## Working with Module Lists

- All data entry modules (like Purchase, Sales, Promotions) start by showing a **list of existing entries**. 
- These list pages typically offer an **Add New** button on the **top-right of the header bar**. 
- Each item in the list includes **Edit** and **Delete** icons for quick access.