Filing documents into CM/ECF electronic filing systems requires the following hardware and software:
Hardware:
A personal computer running a standard platform such as Windows or Mac OS X.
Internet Service:
Web browser. Current versions of Firefox, Chrome, or Safari are recommended. Some users have had positive experiences with other Web browsers, but those listed here have been tested and certified for compatibility with CM/ECF. Mozilla Firefox can be downloaded at no cost.
Software:
Software to convert documents from a word processor format to portable document format (PDF). The current version of Adobe Acrobat Professional is recommended, however, lower versions adequately meet the CM/ECF filing requirements.
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for free, is needed for viewing PDF documents.
A scanner may be necessary to create electronic images of documents that are not in your word processing system. Preferred scanner settings: 200 X 200 DPI (dots per inch); black and white scale, no picture setting.
Microsoft Word is required for the preparation of orders that are submitted via Lodge Order Upload (LOU).
Document Format:
CM/ECF systems are designed to accept only documents in Portable Document Format (PDF). This format was chosen because it allows a document to retain its pagination, formatting and fonts no matter what type of computer is used to view or print the document. It is also an open standard format. Adobe developed the format, and offers software that allows conversion of documents created in most word processing systems into PDF. This software is recommended. Several word processing programs also contain features that convert documents created in those programs into PDF.