The e-filing application will attempt to convert documents that are not text-searchable, upon the filer’s request and based on your user preference settings, to text searchable documents using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. As the filer, you must understand the following:

  • While OCR technology is always improving, it is not 100% perfect, and will not always be able to convert all text to be searchable. In addition, it will not always be 100% accurate in converting text to the proper character.
  • As the filer, you are responsible for double checking your files to make sure you are satisfied with the OCR result, the accuracy of the searchable text, formatting of the document, etc…
  • The process of making a document text-searchable will often result in a new pdf file that is larger in file size. This means it is possible that after conversion your document may exceed any file size limits the court has in place. As the filer, it is your responsibility to make sure file size limits are not exceeded in order to submit your filing.
  • The process of making a document text-searchable will often remove any bookmarks in your PDF. As the filer, it is a best practice to make the document text searchable BEFORE uploading it to the e-filing system to prevent any bookmarks from being removed.
  • The process of making a document text-searchable is time consuming. The larger your file, the longer it will take. The page count or length of your document, the physical file size of your document, the amount of text contained in the document, and the number of unreadable images in your document will all add to the amount of time the system takes to scan your document and make it text-searchable.

    If you are nearing your filing deadline, you may choose to “Cancel” the conversion process by clicking the Edit Button next to your document and clicking “Cancel Conversion to Text Searchable” so that you can submit your documents timely. Learn more …

While we are pleased to offer the capability to recognize that your documents are not text-searchable, and convert them to text-searchable PDFs, we highly recommend as a BEST PRACTICE that you convert your documents to text-searchable PDFS prior to uploading them for e-filing. Here are some tips on how to make your documents text-searchable.

  • DO NOT print, sign, then scan. Rather, you can electronically sign your documents by placing a /s/ followed by your name on the signature line (e.g. /s/ Marcus Brown), then converting your documents to PDF electronically. This will result in a text-searchable document. Learn more …
  • DO NOT print your word processing documents then scan them to PDF, rather simply convert them from Word or WordPerfect directly to a PDF document electronically. This will result in text-searchable documents. Learn more …

Get more tips on converting Text Searchable PDFs in a filing.