How to crate train a dog?

Ok so im trying to crate train and housebreak at the same time. When i pull her out to go should she always be on a leash. Another thing i like to let my dog run outside during the day and bring her in at night does that get in the way of house breaking her. She has a spot outside where she poops consistently but the problem is on the cold days when it goes below freezing i cant keep her outside. so i would have to bring her in, now because she has a spot outside will she know that she must go outside to that spot. Or will she make a new one inside.