> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.monolithforensics.com/monolith/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.monolithforensics.com/monolith/monolith-features/case-reports/monolith-case-reports.md).

# Monolith Case Reports

Create standard case reports by selecting report sections and exporting the result as a Microsoft Word document.

Monolith Case Reports allow users to generate case reports directly from the case interface.

This is the recommended reporting option for most users because it provides a point-and-click way to create a report without building a custom report template. Users can select which sections to include, choose the relevant case data, generate the report, and export it as a Microsoft Word document for review, QC, final edits, and distribution.

### Video Walkthrough

This video walks through the Monolith case reporting workflow, including how report data is pulled from a case and exported as a Microsoft Word document.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlb4xvbNkJo>" %}

### When to Use Monolith Case Reports

Use Monolith Case Reports when you want to:

* Generate a report from existing Monolith case data
* Choose which sections of the case should be included
* Create a report without using custom template syntax
* Export the report as a Microsoft Word document
* Review or edit the report before final delivery

For most standard reporting workflows, start with Monolith Case Reports before considering a custom report template.

### Access Case Reports

To access case reports:

1. Open a case.
2. Select the **Reports** tab.
3. Open or create a report.
4. Review the available report options.
5. Select the sections you want to include.
6. Generate the report.
7. Download the report as a Microsoft Word document.

### Report Options

The **Report Options** page allows you to customize which sections and records are included in the final report.

Each section can be enabled or disabled using the checkbox next to the section name. Some sections can also be expanded to configure additional options or select specific records.

Available sections may include:

* **Template Options**
* **Report Options**
* **Cover Page**
* **Table of Contents**
* **Case Summary**
* **Analysis**
* **Evidence**
* **Tasks Summary**
* **Case Notes**
* **People**
* **Activity Log**

### Template Options

The **Template Options** section is used when generating a report from a custom report template.

Custom report templates are Microsoft Word documents that use Monolith report variables and template syntax. These are useful when your organization needs a specific report format, layout, wording, or structure.

From Template Options, users may be able to:

* Upload and create a new custom template
* Select an existing custom template for the report

Most users creating a standard Monolith Case Report can skip Template Options and continue configuring the built-in report sections.

For more information about custom templates, see **Custom Report Templates**.

### Report Options

The **Report Options** section controls general report-level settings.

Available options may include:

* **Include Report Header**
* **Include Report Footer**

Use these options to include or remove the standard report header and footer from the generated Word document.

### Cover Page

The **Cover Page** section adds a cover page to the report.

Available options may include:

* **Include Organization Logo**

Use this section when the report should include a formal cover page with organization branding or other high-level report information.

### Table of Contents

The **Table of Contents** section adds a table of contents to the report.

This can help readers navigate longer reports with multiple sections, evidence items, notes, contacts, or supporting details.

### Case Summary

The **Case Summary** section includes high-level case information.

Available options may include:

* **Include My Info**
* **Include Client Info**
* **Include Case Description**
* **Include Report Summary**
* **Include Evidence List**

Use this section when the report should include general case details, user or examiner information, client information, case description, report summary, or a list of evidence items.

### Analysis

The **Analysis** section includes analysis-related information from the case.

Use this section when the report should include narrative analysis, examination details, conclusions, or other analysis content documented in Monolith.

### Evidence

The **Evidence** section includes selected evidence items from the case.

When this section is enabled, users can choose which evidence items should be included in the report. This allows the report to include all evidence items or only the items relevant to the final report.

Available options may include:

* **Include Description**
* **Include Details**
* **Include Chain of Custody**
* **Include Acquisitions**
* **Include Child Evidence**
* **Include Photos**

Users can also sort evidence items and select the specific evidence records that should be included in the report.

Use this section when the report should include evidence-level details such as evidence number, type, make, model, serial number, description, acquisitions, photos, child evidence, or custody history.

### Tasks Summary

The **Tasks Summary** section includes task-related information from the case.

Use this section when the report should summarize work that was assigned, tracked, or completed as part of the case.

### Case Notes

The **Case Notes** section includes selected notes from the case.

When this section is enabled, users can choose which notes should be included in the report. This allows teams to include relevant notes while excluding internal notes or notes that are not needed for the final report.

Use this section when important case notes, examination notes, processing notes, or other narrative documentation should be included in the final report.

### People

The **People** section includes selected people or contacts associated with the case.

When this section is enabled, users can choose which contacts should be included in the report. This may include clients, custodians, requestors, suspects, victims, witnesses, or other associated people depending on your organization’s workflow.

### Activity Log

The **Activity Log** section includes activity history from the case.

Use this section when the report should include a record of case activity or actions taken in Monolith.

### Create Report

After selecting the desired report sections, go to **Create Report** to generate the report.

Monolith will create a Microsoft Word document based on the selected report options and available case data.

### Microsoft Word Export

Monolith Case Reports export as Microsoft Word documents.

This allows users to:

* Review the report before final delivery
* Make QC edits
* Adjust formatting if needed
* Add final comments or supplemental language
* Save the finalized report according to the organization’s process
* Share the report in a familiar document format

### Monolith Case Reports vs. Custom Report Templates

Monolith supports both standard case reports and custom report templates.

| Reporting Option            | Best For                                                                                                    |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Monolith Case Reports**   | Point-and-click report generation from the case interface                                                   |
| **Custom Report Templates** | Organization-specific Microsoft Word templates with custom formatting, wording, variables, and report logic |

Use **Monolith Case Reports** when you want to quickly create a report by selecting sections from the Monolith UI.

Use **Custom Report Templates** when your organization needs a specific Microsoft Word template, custom report structure, or advanced report logic.

### Best Practices

* Review the case before generating the report.
* Confirm that case, evidence, acquisition, note, and contact information is complete.
* Include only the sections needed for the intended audience.
* Select specific evidence items, notes, or people when the report should be limited in scope.
* Download and review the Word document before sharing it externally.
* Use the Word document as the final QC and editing step when needed.
* Consider a custom report template only when the standard report builder does not meet your reporting requirements.