Create a new case and data collection request using the guided setup wizard. For a single-page setup, see How to create a case and data collection request (Pro Mode).

From the My Cases page, click + New Case in the top right corner to open the case creation wizard.

Enter a case name. The name appears across the platform, including the My Cases page and exports. You can edit it later. Click Continue to proceed to the next step.

You can also click Start Collection Now to create the case and open the collection portal immediately, skipping the remaining wizard steps.

This step controls who on your team can see and work with the case. Add individual users or teams to give them access to the case and its data. Click Continue to proceed.

You can click Create Case Only to create the case without a data collection request.

A case created this way appears on the My Cases page, and any assigned member can open it later and click + New Request to add a collection request.

This step selects the types of data you want to collect from the custodian. Check each source you want to include, then click Continue to proceed.

If you checked Documents (Files & PDFs) in the Source Categories step, this step lists the specific files the custodian should upload. These are standalone files such as PDFs or documents that would not already be captured from a phone backup, email account, or financial records.

Enter one document name per line. Click Continue to proceed.

This step sets the custodian's contact details, the collection sharing mode and pre-defined search criteria.

Manual Search & Share lets the custodian manually choose which messages or data to share. No pre-defined search parameters are applied.

Check Allow client to share all conversations at once to let the custodian share all message threads or all emails at once. If unchecked, the custodian must select individual items.

Pre-defined Search & Share (Auto) runs pre-defined search queries automatically. Matching threads are collected without the custodian needing to search, select, and share manually.

If you choose Pre-defined Search & Share, the wizard asks you to enter search criteria. The following search types are available:

Click Continue to proceed.

This step sets the time period for the collection. Select Collect everything to include all available data, or Specific date range to limit the collection to a custom period. Click Continue to proceed.

This step determines who receives the collection request and lets you add optional services.

My Client sends the request directly to the custodian.

If the contact fields are empty, the button reads Skip, add later instead of Continue.

Opposing Counsel sends the collection request to the opposing attorney for review before it reaches the custodian.

The opposing counsel reviews and approves the request before the custodian receives any instructions. For details on what happens after you send the request, see How do I send a collection request to opposing counsel?.

An Additional Services section appears on both paths. Select any services you need: Laptop Rental (a pre-configured laptop for secure forensic collection), Extraction Kit Rental (a cord and external drive for phone extraction), or White-Glove Collection (an end-to-end managed service where a Hearsay coordinates directly with the custodian and assists with the data collection over a video call).

Click Continue to proceed.

The final step shows a summary of everything configured. Review each section of the summary. Click Create Request to finalize.

Creating the request generates the extraction code. If sending to your client, the automated invitation email goes out (unless you checked Don't send email to custodian).

If sending to opposing counsel, the request goes to the attorney for review first, and the custodian invite email is sent after approval.

The new case appears on the My Cases page, and the collection request appears on the Collection Requests tab inside the case.