Certain versions of Adobe Acrobat and other PDF editing software are known to cause serious issues when a PDF fillable file is electronically filed through CM/ECF. As a result, all PDF files must be “flattened” before filing through CM/ECF. Flattening a PDF fillable file prior to filing will prevent other users from manipulating or editing the form fields. If using "DocuSign" to digitally add a signature to a document, it must be flattened before filing through CM/ECF. This flattening process should also resolve the following error message when attempting to file documents:

"ERROR: Fillable forms must be flattened before attaching."

Click here for instructions on how to flatten a PDF.

If you are using a Mac operating system, PDF's exported from a Mac are known to cause issues when filed in CM/ECF. Utilize Adobe Acrobat to rename the file and save it before uploading into CM/ECF.