NYSCEF Requirements

You are encouraged to use the latest version of a browser and operating system for your platform. Older versions contain security vulnerabilities which may lead to compromise of your data or privacy. The versions listed are the absolute minimum versions. Versions older than these have known problems, and will not function for accessing UCS systems.

To view documents in our system, you will need Adobe Reader ^® or equivalent software. PDF reader software is free and you can download from various websites. If you don't have the latest version of Adobe Reader ^®, Download Adobe Reader now.

You will need to have access to a scanner to create images of any non-computerized documents you have, such as exhibits.

When uploading a document into NYSCEF, your document must comply with the following:

GOOD Document Format

1. PDF/A
2. Text Searchable
3. 1 Inch Margins
4. Resolution of 200 Dots per inch
5. Flattened (if multi-layered)

BAD Document Format

1. Password-Protected or Encrypted
2. Contain Objects
3. Long File Names

PDF/A
NYSCEF requires that all e-filed documents conform to PDF/A specifications. NYSCEF will not accept documents that contain open action tags or javascript. If these specifications are not met, those documents may not be accepted.

Text Searchable
All PDF documents generated from an original word processing file must be text-searchable and compatible with the latest version of Adobe Reader ^®.

Documents created using most modern word processing applications, such as Word, WordPefect and OpenOffice, may be converted to an acceptable PDF format by using an export "save as", or "publish to PDF" function. All of the text in these documents should be searchable in the PDF.

Third-party software is available to convert documents from a word processor format to PDF. There are several of these PDF writer/conversion programs available. You may wish to do an internet search to find a program suitable for your needs.

If a document has any images that contain text, those images may not be searchable. Most document scanners have the ability to scan directly to PDF, and many of them have integrated packages that can make the document text searchable.

If you have a scanned PDF that is not searchable, there are several third party software packages that can make your PDF searchable. You may wish to do an internet search to find a program suitable for your needs.

Security
Documents should NOT be password-protected or encrypted; documents which include these features violates PDF/A specification compliance.

All documents submitted through NYSCEF, including those marked "secure", will be available for public inspection at the courthouse unless sealed by court order.

Format
Documents submitted via NYSCEF must have one-inch margins at the top, bottom, right and left sides (see Uniform Rule 202.5(a)). The top margin is particularly important to allow space for the addition of County Clerk and NYSCEF filing stamps.

Layers
PDF documents with multiple layers must be flattened prior to submission to ensure that the complete document is available to the examiner.

Object Content
Content that cannot render (be viewed) directly or completely to a printed page, including: multimedia (e.g., sound, video, animations, slideshows), 3-dimensional models (e.g., CAD drawings), file attachments, multi-page objects (e.g., Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, multi-page TIFF images), and commenting/reviewing features (highlighting, annotations, comments, notes, and the like) are prohibited.

Resolution
Required resolution for the scanned PDF images is 200 dots per inch (dpi). Documents scanned at a resolution of 200 (dpi) ensure that the pages of the document are legible both on the computer screen and when printed and, at the same time, minimizes the file size.

File Name
No specific file name is required, BUT long names will not upload properly.