> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.pears.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.pears.io/engage/direct-contacts/create-a-direct-contact.md).

# Create a Direct Contact

Learn how to create a new direct contact record in PEARS.

This article walks through the steps to create a new direct contact record in PEARS.

![Screenshot: The direct contact General Information form showing the Unit, Program areas, Action plans, and Date range fields, the Comments editor, and the Progress panel](https://2560412328-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Ff0820LrBGQ9ZA8SC4BR1%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1c1a983ddc228770c2f43d5d0284459ce7390168%2Fdirect-contact-create-form.png?alt=media)

{% hint style="info" %}
**TIP:** The red asterisk **\*** next to the heading of a field indicates that the field is required.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Navigate to Direct Contacts

From the PEARS homepage, hover over the **Engage** menu in the top navigation bar and click **Direct Contacts**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Click Add

On the Direct Contacts list page, click the **Add** button.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Select a Unit **\***

In the **Unit** field, select the unit responsible for these contacts. This field defaults to your assigned unit when your organization has enabled unit defaults.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Select Program Areas **\***

In the **Program areas** field, select the program area(s) that apply to the contacts made during this period. At least one program area is required.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Select Action Plans **\***

Extension users select the **Action plans** these direct contacts support. Only plans that share a program area with the record are offered. If the contacts are not tied to a plan, select **Not linked to an Action Plan**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Select a Date Range **\***

In the **Date range** field, select the date range during which the contacts occurred.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Add Comments and File Attachments (optional)

In the **Comments** field, enter any additional notes. In the **File Attachments** section, attach any relevant documents.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Save and continue

Click **Save and continue** to save the record and proceed to the [Demographics](/engage/direct-contacts/add-demographics-data.md) page, or click **Save** to save the record and open its detail page.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}