> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://guide.worshipbuddy.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Crowd Meter

> Track real-time meal line counts at events using increment/decrement buttons

# Crowd Meter

The Crowd Meter provides a simple way to count people in meal lines at **events** using large tap-friendly buttons. It is designed for event meal logistics — not for regular weekly services.

<Info>
  **Platform**: Web URL at `/crowd-meter/?org=&event=`. Works in any browser (including a phone browser) — there is no in-app crowd meter screen.
</Info>

## Overview

Crowd Meter is designed for:

* **Real-time counting** - Tap to add or subtract from the count
* **Mobile-friendly** - Large buttons work great on phones and tablets at meal serving lines
* **Event meal periods** - Track counts per meal period, location, and serving line
* **Multiple counters** - Different people can count at different lines simultaneously

## How It Works

Crowd Meter uses URL parameters — you must open it from an event context:

```
/crowd-meter/?org={org_id}&event={event_id}
```

The setup flow is:

1. **Select Meal Period** — Choose which meal period you're counting for
2. **Select Location** — Choose the serving location within that meal period
3. **Select Line** — Choose the specific serving line
4. **Start counting**

## Counting

The interface shows counting controls:

* **+1** / **-1** — Add or subtract one person
* **+5** / **-5** — Bulk adjust by five
* **Reset to 0** — Clear the count for the current line (requires confirmation)

The current count displays prominently in the center.

### Step-by-Step

1. Open Crowd Meter from your event's Meals logistics section (or use the URL above)
2. Select the **Meal Period**
3. Select the **Location**
4. Select the **Line**
5. Tap **+1** each time someone enters the line
6. Tap **-1** if you need to correct a miscount

## Multi-Counter Setup

For large venues with multiple serving lines:

1. Assign a counter to each line
2. Each counter opens Crowd Meter on their device and selects their location/line
3. Counts are tracked per line within the meal period
4. View aggregated totals on the **Event Dashboard → Logistics → Meals**

## Viewing Results

After counting, view totals on:

* **Event Dashboard → Logistics → Meals** — Meal period attendance and line counts
* **Meals export** — Include in meal attendance exports

## Best Practices

1. **Brief your counters** - Make sure everyone selects the correct meal period, location, and line
2. **Test first** - Do a quick test tap before service starts
3. **Use stable internet** - Ensure devices have good connectivity
4. **Assign lines** - One counter per line prevents double-counting
5. **Count consistently** - Decide whether to count only adults, or everyone including children

## Tips

* The buttons are designed for quick, repeated tapping
* Use the **-** button for corrections, not to track people leaving
* Crowd Meter is **not** used for regular service attendance — use [Service Check-In](/ChurchBuddy/Day-to-Day/service-check-in) for that