Duplicate timeline events

Overview

Duplicates often appear when the same date is mentioned in several documents, or when similar files are uploaded more than once. SeraCase provides cleanup tools so you can merge or remove repeats while keeping the strongest supporting evidence.

Why this feature exists

Repeated events make a case look messy and can confuse exports. A clean timeline builds confidence for you and anyone who reviews your package later.

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Scan for near-identical events

   Look for the same date with similar titles, or the same hearing listed multiple times with slight wording differences.

2. 2

   Compare linked documents

   Open each candidate and check which evidence is strongest and most complete.

3. 3

   Merge when it’s the same moment

   Use Timeline merge when two entries describe one event. Keep the clearer title and date.

4. 4

   Move true extras to Trash

   If an event was created by mistake or from a discarded upload, Move to Trash rather than leaving it in the chronology.

Best practices

• Clean duplicates soon after big uploads — they’re easiest to recognize while context is fresh.
• Preserve the event that has the best linked evidence.
• When unsure whether two events are truly the same, keep both until you verify in the source documents.

Productivity tips

• Ask Sera if she notices repeated dates after a large batch.
• Use Timeline cleanup tools before building an export package.

Common mistakes

• Merging different events that merely share a date.
• Deleting the only event that held a unique evidence link.
• Ignoring duplicates until the night before a deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Screenshots

Helpful links

• Timeline
• Evidence

Related articles

• Working with Timeline

  Build and refine a clear chronology of what happened — dates, events, and the documents that support them.

• Timeline clustering

  Group related moments so a busy chronology stays readable without losing important detail.

• Timeline best practices

  Habits that keep your chronology accurate, calm, and ready for export or discussion with counsel.

• Trash and restore

  Move mistakes aside safely with Move to Trash, and restore items when you still need them.