> 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/using-monolith/case-management/cases/case-reports/monolith-case-reports.md).

# Monolith Case Reports

Create standard case reports by selecting Monolith case data and report sections, then export the result as an editable 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 workflow without requiring custom template syntax. Select the sections and records you want to include, generate the report, then export it as a Microsoft Word document for review, quality control, final edits, and distribution.

### Video Walkthrough

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlb4xvbNkJo>" %}
If the video does not render, [watch the Monolith Case Reports walkthrough on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlb4xvbNkJo).
{% endembed %}

### When to Use Monolith Case Reports

Use Monolith Case Reports when you want to:

* Generate a report from information already captured in Monolith
* Choose which Case sections should be included
* Select specific Evidence Items, Notes, Contacts, or other supported records
* Create a report without using custom template syntax
* Export the report as an editable Microsoft Word document
* Review and refine 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** step controls which sections and records are included in the final report.

Sections can be enabled or disabled depending on the information you want to include. 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.

See [**Custom Report Templates**](/monolith/using-monolith/case-management/cases/case-reports/custom-report-templates.md) for additional guidance.

### General 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](/monolith/using-monolith/evidence-management/evidence-items.md) 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](/monolith/using-monolith/people/contacts.md) 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 are generated as Microsoft Word `.docx` documents.

This allows users to:

* Review the report before final delivery
* Perform quality control
* Adjust formatting if needed
* Add final comments or supplemental language
* Make organization-specific edits
* Save the final report according to internal procedures
* Share the report in a familiar document format

The generated Word document is intended to reduce manual report writing while still allowing users to make final edits before delivery.

### Monolith Case Reports vs. Custom Report Templates

Monolith supports two primary reporting approaches.

#### Monolith Case Reports

Use the standard report builder when you want:

* Point-and-click report generation
* Control over which sections and records are included
* A report generated from information already captured throughout the [Case](/monolith/using-monolith/case-management/cases.md)
* An editable Microsoft Word document without building custom template logic

#### Custom Report Templates

Use Custom Report Templates when your organization needs:

* A specific Microsoft Word report format
* Organization-specific branding or layout
* Custom wording or structure
* Monolith variables, loops, or conditional logic
* Greater control over how Case information is rendered

See [**Custom Report Templates**](/monolith/using-monolith/case-management/cases/case-reports/custom-report-templates.md) for additional guidance.

### Best Practices

* Keep Case information current throughout the life of the Case.
* Review Evidence, Acquisition, Note, Contact, and other relevant information before generating the report.
* Include only the sections needed for the intended audience.
* Select specific Evidence Items, Notes, or Contacts when the report should be limited in scope.
* Use structured Monolith data throughout the workflow so more of the final report can be generated automatically.
* Download and review the Word document before sharing it externally.
* Use the Word document for final quality control and editing when needed.
* Consider a Custom Report Template when the standard report builder does not meet your organization's reporting requirements.

### Related Documentation

* [**Case Reports**](/monolith/using-monolith/case-management/cases/case-reports.md)
* [**Custom Report Templates**](/monolith/using-monolith/case-management/cases/case-reports/custom-report-templates.md)
* [**Template Variables**](/monolith/using-monolith/case-management/cases/case-reports/custom-report-templates/template-variables.md)
* [**Template Examples**](/monolith/using-monolith/case-management/cases/case-reports/custom-report-templates/template-examples.md)
* [**Cases**](/monolith/using-monolith/case-management/cases.md)