Creating PDF Files
CM/ECF requires all files (with the exception of the mailing matrix) to be in pdf (portable document format) format.
All files created by the filing attorney would be converted/exported into pdf format - most specifically, "searchable" or "text searchable" pdf format. Thus any pdf conversion program that generates searchable pdf's will suffice.
The pdf format is a specific format the allows creating documents in any program, such as a word processor or bankruptcy software, and then creating a copy of the original document in pdf format. This conversion is done using the Print function - conversion programs install themselves within the Windows Operating System and mimic a printer.
Below find the process for using Microsoft Word and WordPerfect generate pdf files. In both examples, it is assumed that a pdf conversion program is installed on the computer being used.
Microsoft Word
Step 1 Enter the pleading into a blank document or complete a template.
Step 2 Save the document as a Word document.
Step 3 Activate the Print option from the Menu Bar. (See Figure 1.)
 Figure 1.
Step 4 The Printer dialog box appears. (See Figure 2.)
Figure 2.
- From the Printer name drop-down list, select the entry for your pdf program.
| Note: Here we see the list of printers on my computer. Note the entry for Acrobat PDF Writer. That is the entry my conversion program added to the list and is the one I select to create/generate pdf documents. |
- Click on the OK button to continue.
Step 5 The Save pdf file as dialog box appears. (See Figure 3.)
Figure 3.
- Accept or enter a File name.
- Navigate to the correct drive and folder using the Save in list.
- Click on the Save button
You have now created a pdf file on your computer containing the pleading you wish to file.
You would then log into CM/ECF and upload this file. |
WordPerfect
Step 1 Enter the pleading into a blank document or complete a template.
Step 2 Save the document as a WordPerfect document.
Step 3 Activate the Print option from the Menu Bar. (See Figure 4.)
 Figure 4.
NOTE: Even though your menu may offer a Publish to PDF... option, do not select this option. This feature is a scaled-down, limited conversion program that will only work on the simplest of documents. To ensure that your document is completely, and correctly converted, do not select this option.
Step 4 The Printer dialog box appears. (See Figure 5.)
 Figure 5.
- First insure that you are viewing the Print tab.
- From the Destination Name or Current printer: (depending upon your version of WordPerfect) drop-down list, select the entry for your pdf program. This field lists all printers installed on your computer. Since the pdf conversion program mimics a printer, your pdf conversion program will have added an entry to this list. (See Figure 5a.)
 Figure 5a.
Note: Here we see the list of printers on my computer. Note the entry for Acrobat PDF Writer. That is the entry my conversion program added to the list and is the one I select to create/generate pdf documents.
- Click on the Print button to continue
Step 5 The Save pdf file as dialog box appears. (See Figure 6.)
 Figure 6.
- Accept or enter a File name.
- Navigate to the correct drive and folder where this file is to be stored using the Save in list
- Click on the Save button to create the pdf file on your computer.
You have now created a pdf file on your computer containing the pleading you wish to file.
You would then log into CM/ECF and upload this file. |
Bankruptcy Software
Step 1 Enter the pleading using the process provided by the software.
Step 2 Export or create the pdf format using the process provided by the software.
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