Scanning Guidelines


To Minimize File Size & Save Storage, Upload and Review Time for CM/ECF Files

It is critical for fast and efficient use of CM/ECF that the software used for scanning documents is configured correctly. Essentially, the consequence of a poor or incorrect setup is a significantly increased file size that can be up to 20 to 40 times the size of a correctly scanned document. This enlarged file size can cause:

  • Vastly increased file storage requirements at the user's PC as well at the Bankruptcy Court's server, together with a general slowness in handling these files.
  • Vastly increased network traffic both locally and through the user's Internet Service Provider (ISP) resulting in long file-upload times. The communications network may time out if the files exceed the recommended size.
  • A very slow response from CM/ECF as the user attempts to upload a large file. This may result in file rejection or a delay in obtaining a confirmation of successful receipt.
  • A very slow download and/or file opening when attempting to read large files already uploaded into CM/ECF.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps and checks to ensure correct scanner software settings:
  • Resolution should be set to 200 dpi, or a maximum 300 dpi.
  • Image type should be set to black and white drawing (NOT gray scale, NOT color).
  • Scanned image output or "save as" format should be TIF (ideally compressed CCITT4). Check your scanner software manual for information on how to set output type.


A simple test scan should be made and the file converted to PDF for upload to CM/ECF. This PDF conversion can be done using one of several software packages but a good example is Adobe Acrobat 5.0 (the full package; not just the Reader). Simply drag the scanned file onto the Acrobat Icon and conversion is automatic. This conversion should not significantly increase the file size. To verify the file size:

  1. Find the file through Windows Explorer
  2. Left-click the icon of the file once to highlight it
  3. Right-click and select Properties. The file size will be listed.
  4. If your document is mostly text, it should be no larger than approximately 50KB per page. At most a very detailed page with graphics should be no larger than approximately 200KB per page.
PRINT THIS PAGE AND SCAN IT AS A TEST!
At 200 dpi this single page scans and converts to a 35KB PDF file
At 300 dpi this single page scans and converts to a 52KB PDF file