> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guides.mangoapps.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guides.mangoapps.com/admin-guide/compliance/ediscovery/create-a-hold.md).

# Create a Hold

### Overview

An eDiscovery hold preserves specific digital content for legal, compliance, or investigative purposes. By placing a hold, admins ensure that selected records cannot be deleted or modified, allowing for future review and retrieval.

***

### Creating a New Hold

Click the **Create a New Hold** button located in the top right of the window. This will bring up the **Create New Hold** menu.

Provide a **name** and **description** for the hold.

<figure><img src="/files/i7TfDWObNTuQEzw0sZwO" alt="" width="545"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click the **Next** button to proceed to the next step, **Query**.

<figure><img src="/files/L6jj195NPFNkG7dTcgAq" alt="" width="557"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Set the Date Range**

Choose the time period for which data should be preserved. This ensures that only relevant content is retained.

The start and end date **must** be within 365 days of each other.

***

**Define Search Criteria**

Refine the scope of the hold by specifying one or more of the following criteria:

* **Keywords**: Enter terms or phrases (for example, sensitive terms like *passport* or *credit card numbers*).
* **Posted By**: Filter content by a specific author.
* **Team or Location**: Select where the hold should apply.

***

**Choose Item Types**

Select the types of content to be placed on hold: Posts, Updates, Messages, Chats, Files, Questions

{% hint style="info" %}
For messages and chats, any message that matches the search criteria will trigger preservation and export of the **entire conversation history** for that chat.
{% endhint %}

***

**Review and Finalize**

Click **Next** to proceed to the Review step. Make sure all data entered is correct as <mark style="color:red;">**holds cannot be edited once created.**</mark>

<figure><img src="/files/pyPoXDmDNQLzgH2yVhqs" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click the **Create New Hold** button to complete the setup.

Your eDiscovery hold is now active and preserving the specified data.

***

### Next Steps

* To manage existing holds, navigate to the eDiscovery dashboard.
* Modify or release holds as necessary to comply with legal or regulatory requirements.
* Monitor data retention policies to ensure proper compliance with company and industry standards.