Creating a Case

Start a new autopsy case by choosing your template, body diagram, and workspace settings.

Select a Template

Every case is built on a template that defines which sections are available and how the AI formats your dictation.

Tap "New Case"

From the Home tab or the Cases tab, tap the New Case button.

Enter a case name

Type a name for your case (e.g., the case number or decedent identifier your office uses).

Choose your template

Tap Select Template to see your available templates organized by state. Tap the template you want to use.

Screenshot: Template selection sheet showing templates organized by state

Body Diagram

The body diagram is the PDF page that you annotate with your Apple Pencil during the examination. You can choose a built-in diagram or upload your own custom diagram.

Built-in Diagrams

Locarda includes standard body diagrams:

Adult Male: anterior and posterior views
Adult Female: anterior and posterior views
Infant: specialized diagram for pediatric cases

Upload a Custom Diagram

If your office uses a specific body diagram form, you can upload it as a PDF:

Tap "Custom Diagram"

In the body diagram selector, tap Upload Custom.

Select your PDF

Choose the PDF file from Files, Google Drive, or OneDrive.

Name your diagram

Give it a descriptive name. It will be saved to your diagram library for reuse in future cases.

Screenshot: Body diagram selector showing Adult Male, Adult Female, and Infant options with custom upload button

Add Images & Pages

You can add extra pages to your case workspace at any time. This is useful for multi-page diagram forms or attaching reference images.

Tap the "+" button

In the workspace, tap the + button in the floating toolbar on the left side.

Choose an option

Select from: Blank Page, Take Photo, Choose from Library, or Import PDF.

Pencil Color

When drawing on your body diagram, you can choose from multiple pencil colors to differentiate findings.

Tap the pen tool

In the floating toolbar, tap the pen icon to select it.

Choose a color

Tap the color swatch below the pen tool to open the color picker. Choose from preset colors (black, red, blue, green, etc.) or select a custom color.

Tip: Many pathologists use red for injuries, blue for incisions, and black for labels. Find a system that works for your office and stay consistent.

Create the Case

Once you've configured your case name, template, and body diagram:

Tap "Create Case"

Review your selections and tap Create Case. Locarda will set up your workspace and open the body diagram view.

Screenshot: New case screen with case name, selected template, and body diagram ready to create

Default vs. Custom Template

Locarda offers two types of templates:

Locarda Default Template: A general-purpose forensic autopsy report template that works for most standard cases. Available immediately without any upload.
Custom Template: Your office's specific report template, uploaded and processed by the AI. Matches your exact format, sections, and terminology.

Recommendation: Start with the Locarda Default Template to get familiar with the workflow. Then upload your office's custom template for production use.