> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/forensics/manage-an-investigation/create-a-new-investigation.md).

# Create a new investigation

Create a forensics investigation that includes all the relevant forensics data. This includes adding collections (hunts and triages), exporting the data collections, managing alerts and evaluating key assets & artifacts.

1. Select **Investigation & Response** → **Forensics**.
2. Click **New Investigation**.
3. In the **Create New Investigation** wizard, enter a name and description (optional) for the investigation.
4. In the **Permissions** table, select the users to whom you want to grant access to the investigation data.

   <div data-gb-custom-block data-tag="hint" data-style="info" class="hint hint-info"><p>To set up user permissions, you must have Scope-Based Access Control (SBAC) enabled.</p></div>

   Refer to [User permissions](/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/forensics/manage-an-investigation/user-permissions.md) for detailed information on permissions.
5. Click **Save** to save the investigation in the **Forensic Investigations** table or click **Save & Start A Collection** to start the process of adding collections.
6. In the **New Collection** widget, select [**Triage**](/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/forensics/data-collection/triage.md) or [**Hunt**](/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/forensics/data-collection/hunting.md).
7. The investigation is saved to the **Forensic Investigations** table.
8. Click **UTC Timezone** to configure the timezone and timestamp format. Refer to [Configure server settings](/cortex-xsiam/onboard-cortex-xsiam/post-deployment/configure-server-settings.md) for information on setting up your timezone.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/forensics/manage-an-investigation/create-a-new-investigation.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
