All files associated with a docket entry in ECF must be in PDF. Any supporting attachments, such as a loan document, should also be submitted to the system as a PDF according to the following guidelines:
The only files submitted in a format different than PDF is the Creditor Matrix. The Creditor Matrix should be submitted in ASCII DOS text format (.txt).
All pleadings submitted to the ECF system as a PDF should be styled and formatted just as if you were going to print the document and file it with the Court in paper form.
Provided below are some general guidelines to follow when creating documents to be submitted in ECF.
1. Margins (top, bottom, left, right) should be at least one (1) inch.
2. Page size should be 8.5" x 11".
3. Use a font style that is legible. The preferred font style is Times New Roman.
4. The font color of the text should be black. Avoid using colored fonts such as red, yellow, green, or blue. No shading. Again, you want the text to be legible.
5. Font size should be no smaller than 10, and no larger than 12. 6.
6. Do NOT include .jpg, .tif, .bmp, or .gif images in your PDF file.
7. All pages should be numbered. The preferred format is 1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc.
8. When filing a new case, the Petition, Schedules, Summary of Schedules (if filed simultaneously), Statement of Financial Affairs, and Verification of Mailing Matrix should be included in a "primary" PDF document in that order. These should not be docketed separately. Declarations to the Petition, Statements and Schedules must be mailed to the court in paper format. Declarations MUST NOT be filed electronically. See the court's Administrative Procedures for more information on filing Declarations.
NOTE: The Creditor Matrix Text file should be uploaded separately. The Plan and Authorization for Pre-confirmation Disbursement should be docketed separately as one PDF.
9. No single PDF file, whether containing a document or an attachment, may exceed forty (40) pages in length. Documents and/or attachments in excess of forty pages must be divided into multiple PDF files and accurately described to the authorizing court. If a document together with any attachments thereto, exceeds one hundred (100) pages in length, please call the court for guidance prior to filing such document by electronic means.
10. When creating a PDF using your scanner, choose the lowest possible resolution (300 dpi) to reduce submitting unnecessarily large PDF files to ECF. For more information regarding Scanning Guidelines, click here.
11. Print the Word or WordPerfect file using the PDF Writer print driver rather than using the functionality provided in the word processor. The PDF Writer creates a smaller file to upload.