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Technical Information

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Technical Requirements

  • A personal desktop or laptop computer - with a current operating system (Windows 10 or higher) including updated virus protection software;
  • Internet access - The faster the Internet connection, the easier CM/ECF is to use. It is recommended that Participants obtain fast access to the Internet using DSL, cable, or T-1 lines (Wi-Fi is not recommended while communicating with CM/ECF);
  • A printer;
  • A scanner - Documents that are not on a Participant’s computer in the form of word processing or Portable Document Format (PDF) must be scanned to be filed electronically;
  • Word processing software - Microsoft Word (“Word”) is preferred, although the use of other word processors is permitted;
  • PDF converter software - Adobe Acrobat is preferred, although the use of other PDF converters is permitted. This product converts document files to a PDF format that is acceptable to file in CM/ECF; Do not use photos from cell phones converted to a PDF;
  • Adobe Fillable Forms – when using a PDF fillable form, the user must lock or "flatten" the PDF document after completing the form fields by selecting Print to PDF;
  • An Internet browser - CM/ECF compatibility has been tested with Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome; 
  • A PACER (Public Access to Court Records) account - to file, access reports and documents in the CM/ECF database;
  • A valid credit card, debit card, or ACH - acceptable for payment of filing fees via CM/ECF;
  • Digital signature software that provides for signature authentication (if the filer intends to file documents electronically signed by persons other than the filer); and
  • Even though it is not required, the increased productivity of professional bankruptcy software with the case upload feature may justify the additional cost.

Scanning Guidelines

  • 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 or color).
  • “Scanned Image Output” or “Save As” format should be PDF. Check your scanner software manual for information on how to set output type.
  • Review the PDF generated for accuracy (missing pages, "portrait" or "upright" orientation, etc.) prior to uploading to CM/ECF.
  • The PDF conversion can be done with a software package such as Adobe Acrobat, if needed.
  • The PDF size may not exceed 35MB (35,840 KB).
  • Do not use photos from cell phones converted to a PDF.
  • Legal sized documents (8 ½ by 14 inches) must be converted to letter size (8 ½ by 11 inches) prior to being scanned.