# Collection View

Use a Collection View when you need to:

* Present data in a structured or visual way (for example, table, cards, grid)
* Customize how entity fields are displayed

{% hint style="info" %}
Before creating a Collection View, make sure you are familiar with the [Extension Registry in Umbraco](https://github.com/umbraco/UmbracoDocs/blob/main/17/umbraco-cms/customizing/customizing/extending-overview/extension-registry/register-extensions.md).
{% endhint %}

## Kinds

There are a couple of built-in Collection Views Kinds available in Umbraco, each suited for different display needs. You can also create custom Collection Views if the built-in options do not meet your requirements.

* [**Card View**](/umbraco-cms/customizing/extending-overview/extension-types/collections/collection-view/card.md): Displays entities as cards in a grid layout, suitable for visual content.
* [**Reference View**](/umbraco-cms/customizing/extending-overview/extension-types/collections/collection-view/reference.md): Displays entities in a list-style layout.
* [**Custom View**](/umbraco-cms/customizing/extending-overview/extension-types/collections/collection-view/custom.md): Create your own Collection View from scratch to meet specific requirements.


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