Workflow
Digital Forensics Case Folder Structure
A practical local folder model for keeping intake, acquisition, verification, examiner notes, timelines, exhibits, reports, and supporting records predictable.
Why structure matters
A predictable folder reduces time spent searching and makes it easier to return to a case later.
Example ByteCase structure
ByteCase/
└── 26-01482/
├── bytecase-intake/
├── bytecase-acquire/
├── bytecase-verify/
├── bytecase-notes/
├── timeline/
├── exhibits/
├── reports/
└── supporting/
Keep workflow records separate from evidence storage
The ByteCase folder is intended for workflow and documentation records. It should not automatically be treated as the evidence repository, image vault, case-management system, official retention location, or custody record.
Use stable case numbers
Use the laboratory’s canonical case identifier. Avoid investigator names, suspect names, informal nicknames, inconsistent punctuation, or dates as the only identifier.
Separate module records
Module-specific subfolders prevent similarly named files from mixing and make it easier for workflow tools to detect expected outputs.
Preserve source references
Notes and reports should reference stable evidence identifiers rather than relying only on changing drive letters or workstation paths.
Use predictable filenames
26-01482_acquisition-packet_2026-07-16.pdf
26-01482_verify-manifest_001.json
26-01482_verification-report_2026-07-16.pdf
Do not silently overwrite
Use record identifiers, timestamps, versioning, or controlled update behavior.
Structure is not backup or security
A clean folder does not itself provide backup, access control, encryption, retention, integrity monitoring, or disaster recovery.
Where ByteCase Workflow fits
ByteCase Workflow is planned to inspect case folders, identify expected module records, and show missing workflow items without judging the technical examination.