A Practice Note explaining the process for starting a civil appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from a federal district court's order or judgment. This Note covers taking an appeal as of right (by filing a notice of appeal), petitioning for permission to appeal, and posting cost bonds. This Note also explains the preliminary steps parties must complete before briefing, including preparing the record, ordering transcripts, filing notices of appearance and other required post-initiation documents, and participating in the Fourth Circuit Mediation Program.