Hardware and Software Requirements for Electronic Filing

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The following hardware and software requirements are needed to file documents electronically in the Central District of California:

  • Personal computer:  PC clone or Apple Macintosh.
  • Operating system:  Windows 10 or Macintosh (OS 11.x or higher).
  • Internet connection.  (Broadband is recommended.)
  • Internet browser:
    • Microsoft Edge (version 98.x or higher)
    • Mozilla Firefox (version 97.x or higher)
    • Safari (version 12.2.1 or higher)
    • Chrome (version 98.x or higher)
  • PDF converter software, such as Adobe Acrobat.  Do not use software that embeds advertisements in the creation of the PDF document.
  • Word processor, such as WordPerfect or Microsoft Word.
  • Scanner for imaging documents:  any scanner capable of converting images to OCR PDF format.  (Image resolution must be between 200-300 dpi for smaller file size.)
  • Email account:  any provider.  Set spam software to accept documents from cacd.uscourts.gov.
  • PACER log-in and password.

PACER accounts can be established through the PACER Service Center.  To do so, visit their website at pacer.gov or contact them at:

          PACER Service Center
          P.O. Box 780549
          San Antonio, TX 78278
          (800) 676-6856
          (210) 301-6440