NextGen PDF Requirements

IMPORTANT PDF REQUIREMENTS - PLEASE READ. There are requirements for PDF files uploaded to CM/ECF-NextGen. These requirements must be followed or CM/ECF may reject your document. PACER provides information regarding the requirements on their webpage: https://pacer.uscourts.gov/file-case/developer-resources/cmecf-release-notes/pdf-related-functionality-public-filers-nextgen.

DOCUMENTS REJECTED:

  • File size over 35 MB
  • Does not comply with PDF format standards
    • Contains Javascript
    • Encrypted or password-protected
    • Contains autio/video content
    • Contains scripts that launch external applications (like external font programs or data streams)
  • Contains internal attachments or embedded files
  • Contains hyperlinks to external websites
  • Contains editable forms
  • Created with Mac OS X using a fillable form in the Safari web browser
  • Created with Mac OS X using MS Word and saved by selecting the option “Best for printing"

DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED:

  • File size of 35 MB or smaller
  • Meets the PDF/A standard
  • Scanned documents
  • Contains optical character recognition (OCR) metadata (allows text-recognition and text searches)
  • Created with Mac OS X using a fillable form in the Chrome web browser
  • Created with Mac OS X using MS Word and saved by selecting the option “Best for Electronic Distribution”

HOW TOs:

HOW TO FLATTEN A PDF

Multiple problems accessing docketed PDFs have been reported where the PDFs are not printing or they are generating errors when opened from the docket. The issues stem from the document not being properly flattened (print to PDF) prior to uploading into CM/ECF. The entire PDF document must be flattened PRIOR to filing it in CM/ECF.

HOW TO REMOVE JAVASCRIPT FROM A PDF

JavaScript can cause Cross-Site Scripting attacks. To remove JavaScript using Adobe Acrobat:

  1. Open the PDF file.
  2. Go to File > Save as Other > Optimized PDF.
  3. Click OK to pop up message about the attached file.
  4. Click on Discard Object on the left bar.
  5. Check Discard all JavaScript actions.
  6. Click OK and save.