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

# Instant Logs

> Log simple entries instantly with zero credits using local pattern matching

## What are Instant Logs?

Instant Logs are entries that Peanuts can process **locally** without using AI. When you type something simple and unambiguous, Peanuts matches it to your existing Helpers instantly—no credits required.

<Info>
  Instant Logs cost **0 credits** and are marked with a ⚡ lightning icon.
</Info>

## How It Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="You type a simple entry">
    Something clear like "coffee \$5" or "ran 3km"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Local pattern matching">
    Peanuts checks if it can match the input to your Helpers without AI
  </Step>

  <Step title="Instant logging">
    If matched, the entry is logged immediately—no AI, no credit cost
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirmation">
    You see a yellow/gold banner with ⚡ confirming the instant log
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What Qualifies for Instant Logging?

Instant Logs work for simple, unambiguous inputs that clearly match a single Helper.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Instant ⚡ (0 credits)" icon="bolt">
    * "coffee \$5"
    * "ran 3km"
    * "slept 7 hours"
    * "lunch 450 calories"
    * "weight 72kg"
    * "meditation 10 min"
  </Card>

  <Card title="Requires AI (1 credit)" icon="brain">
    * "about \$5" (ambiguous amount)
    * "yesterday's lunch" (time context)
    * "total for the week" (calculation needed)
    * "bought milk and bread" (multiple items)
    * "feeling tired" (needs interpretation)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Visual Indicators

When an entry is processed as an Instant Log:

* **Lightning icon** ⚡ appears next to the confirmation
* **Yellow/gold banner** instead of the standard color
* **"Instant logged to"** text in the confirmation message

## Automatic Fallback

You don't need to do anything special. If Peanuts can't match your input instantly, it automatically falls back to AI-powered routing (1 credit). The experience is seamless—you just type naturally.

## Pattern Learning

Peanuts learns your logging patterns over time:

* **Known Helpers**: If you have an "Expenses" helper, "coffee \$5" maps there
* **Common patterns**: Learns your typical input formats
* **Field extraction**: Recognizes amounts, durations, distances, etc.

## Tips for Instant Logging

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Be explicit with values">
    "Coffee $5" works instantly. "$5 for something" needs AI interpretation.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use consistent patterns">
    The more consistent your inputs, the more can be matched instantly.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Match Helper names">
    Including Helper-related keywords helps: "ran 5k" for a running tracker.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Keep it simple">
    Single, clear entries work best. Complex multi-part inputs need AI.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Offline Support

Instant Logs work **fully offline** since they don't require AI:

* Queue entries when offline
* Pattern matching happens locally
* Sync when back online

See [Offline Mode](/features/offline-mode) for more details.

## Credit Comparison

| Input Type   | Instant Log | AI-Powered |
| ------------ | ----------- | ---------- |
| Simple text  | 0 credits ⚡ | 1 credit   |
| Complex text | —           | 1 credit   |
| Voice input  | —           | 9 credits  |
| Image input  | —           | 5 credits  |

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Log Anything" icon="plus" href="/features/log-anything">
    Universal AI-powered logging when Instant Logs don't apply
  </Card>

  <Card title="Offline Mode" icon="wifi-slash" href="/features/offline-mode">
    How Instant Logs work without internet
  </Card>

  <Card title="Credits" icon="coins" href="/core-concepts/credits">
    Understanding credit costs for all features
  </Card>
</CardGroup>