Requirements

To view documents filed in the CM/ECF system you will need:

• A personal computer running a standard platform such as Windows or Macintosh
• Internet access
• National Registration with PACER for access to electronically filed cases
• Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher browser
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) to view PDF documents

To file documents into the CM/ECF system requires the following hardware & software:

• All of the items listed in the how to view section above
• Word Processor software
• PDF-conversion software such as Adobe Acrobat
• A scanner may be necessary to create electronic images of documents not on your computer
• A separate ECF login/password (note: this is not the same as a PACER login/password)

How it Works

The electronic case files system accepts documents in a portable document format (PDF). PDF retains the way a document looks, so the pages, fonts and other formatting are preserved. Filing a document with the court's CM/ECF system is quite easy:

• Create the document using word processing software
• Save the document in PDF format
• Log onto the court's CM/ECF system, using a court-issued login and password.
• Follow the set of simple prompts to provide information about the case, party and document to be filed.
• Attach the PDF document and submit it to the court for filing (by pressing a submit button)
• Save or print the CM/ECF electronic receipt emailed from the court confirming that the document was filed

Innovative Features Include

• Electronic Access:
  A key feature of the CM/ECF system is that it provides unprecedented access to up-to-the-second docket sheets as well as to the documents themselves over the Internet through the Court's electronic filing web site.
   
• Electronic Filing:
  Another key feature of the CM/ECF system is that it accepts documents filed electronically over the Internet. While it is not necessary that documents be filed electronically to have them entered into the CM/ECF system, electronic filing is strongly encouraged by the Court.
   
• Electronic Noticing: 
  A third key feature of the CM/ECF system is that it provides immediate e-mail notices to all counsel involved in a case whenever a document is filed. To receive electronic notice of filings, attorneys must be registered to file electronically and must have the e-mail noticing feature of their Court account turned on.

Benefits Include

Savings in time and expenditure for attorney, reducing costly courier services and postage.

• Registered attorneys are able to file documents with the court 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• Full case information is available immediately to attorneys, parties, and the general public through the Internet, including the ability to view the full text of all filed documents
• No waiting in line or unavailable files at courthouse
• Ease of use - based on standard Internet technology
• Substantially reduces paper handling and document processing time
• Case management information and notice of filing is transmitted to designated case participants via email

RSS Feed for Public Users

We are providing Rich Site Summary (RSS) feed for anyone that would like to us a RSS reader to monitor filings in court cases.  A list of all events relating to Answers, Appeals, Court, Motion and Orders entered on the docket are displayed and includes activity for the last 24-hour period.  The feed is updated once per hour.  No restricted or sealed information is included.  This feed is located at: https://ecf.idb.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/rss_outside.pl