> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.usecollect.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to use internal elements

In Collect, you can mark any element—such as a document, form, or task—as **internal**. Internal elements are only visible to **team members**, not to your contacts. This is helpful for keeping internal notes, reference files, or administrative actions within a request without exposing them to clients.

### What is an internal element?
An **internal element** is a request item that:
* Can be any type (document, form, etc.)
* Is **only visible to your team**
* Is **hidden from the contact's portal view**
This feature is ideal for tracking information relevant to your team, like internal documents, instructions, or case-related files that shouldn’t be shared with the customer.

### How to mark an element as internal

###### Step-by-step:
* In your **campaign builder**, select the element you want to mark as internal.
* Click **Edit**, then open the **Settings** (top right of the element block).

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/b/7/9/2/b792c5fa3ea2e00/element-settings_176ys5.jpg)
* In the settings menu, find and enable the **Internal element** option.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/b/7/9/2/b792c5fa3ea2e00/settings-internal-element_o1nt1i.jpg)

Once this setting is enabled:
* The element will not appear on the customer portal.
* Team members will still see and manage the element in the **request detail page**.

### Use cases for internal elements
* Storing documents related to internal approvals or compliance
* Keeping private team notes on a client’s request
* Managing background steps in an onboarding process