# How to Track a Docket

### Summary

Learn how to set up automated email alerts for a specific case so you are notified immediately when new documents are filed.

### Why This is Important

Manually checking a docket every day to see if an order has been issued is inefficient and risky. Tracking a docket ensures you never miss a deadline or a critical filing. Docket Alarm monitors the court system for you and delivers updates directly to your inbox.

### Step-by-Step Guide

**Step 1: Locate the Case** First, find the case you want to monitor using the Search Bar. (See [How to Search for a Case](/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/search-and-discovery/how-to-search-for-a-case.md) if you need help).

**Step 2: Initiate Tracking**

1. Open the docket page for the case.
2. Click the orange **Track Docket** button located at the top of the case header.

<figure><img src="/files/vv5g10M46d0n8jkeQ9pD" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click Track Docket to start configuring your alert.</p></figcaption></figure>

**Step 3: Configure Alert Settings** A configuration menu will appear. Customize the following settings:

* **Frequency:** Choose how often you want to be notified. *(PACER fees may apply.)*
  * *Continuous / Real-time:* (Best for active litigation).
  * *Daily / Weekly:* (Best for monitoring slow-moving cases).
* **Alert Sharing:** Enter the email addresses of colleagues who should also receive these alerts. This keeps your whole team in sync.
* **Matter Number:** Enter your internal client or matter number (e.g., `00123-ABC`). This helps you organize alerts and bill costs back to the correct client later.

**Step 4: Activate** Click **Start Tracking**. You will now see a confirmation message, and the button will change to "Tracking."

### Managing Your Alerts

You can view and edit all your active tracks in one place:

1. Go to the **Dashboard**.
2. Click **My Case Alerts** in the left sidebar.
3. Here you can:
   * **Pause/Resume** alerts.
   * **Edit** recipients or frequency.
   * **Delete** alerts you no longer need.

<figure><img src="/files/F9gEn92KUtknQ4ruvFnx" alt=""><figcaption><p>Easily manage all your case alerts from one place—view, edit, pause, or delete them directly from your Dashboard.</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Pro Tip:** If you add your **ECF Credentials** to Docket Alarm, your alerts for federal cases become "Real-Time." This means you get the notification the instant it hits the PACER system, often faster than standard email service, and the documents are attached directly to the email.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Related Articles

* [Setting Up New Case Alerts](/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/tracking-and-alerts/setting-up-new-case-alerts.md)
* [Integrating ECF/PACER](/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/tracking-and-alerts/integrating-ecf-pacer.md)

### Need more help?

If you are not receiving alerts, check your spam folder or verify that your notification email address is correct in your **User Settings**.

**What's Your Next Step?**

| **New to** vLex Library **?**                                                                                                                                                                                   | **Already a** vLex Library **Customer?**                                                                                                                   |
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