Docket Prime

Splitting and combining PDF exhibits for e-filing

Updated

Exhibits cause most size rejections. Large scanned exhibits need to be split into parts, and courts that limit the number of attachments may need several small exhibits combined into one file. Either way, the judge should be able to find each exhibit quickly.

Splitting a large exhibit

  1. Check your court's per-file limit (see the court list).
  2. Split at page boundaries so each part is a little under the limit.
  3. Name the parts in order: "Exhibit C - Part 1 of 3.pdf", "Exhibit C - Part 2 of 3.pdf"…
  4. Attach them in order, describing each one: "Exhibit C, Part 2 of 3 (pages 51–100)".

Combining small exhibits

  1. Add all the exhibit PDFs to the checker above, then use the arrows to put them in order.
  2. Choose "Combine all files into one PDF". Give each exhibit a clear bookmark title, for example "Exhibit A – Lease agreement".
  3. We only offer this when the combined file fits under your court's limit.

The combined PDF opens with the bookmarks panel showing, with one bookmark per exhibit. Any bookmarks already inside an exhibit are kept, nested under that exhibit.

Before you upload

  • Check every page is letter size: legal-size exhibits are a common cause of rejection.
  • Remove passwords and security settings.
  • If you're near a per-filing total or attachment limit, plan a second filing for the remaining exhibits.

Check your PDF now

Stays on your device

Required. Pick the court you're filing in: size limits and rules differ from court to court. Type a state, city or court name.

Filing in a state or county court, not a federal one? Find your state's courts

Drop your PDF here

Choose your court first (step 1), so we know which rules to check.

Add several files at once for exhibits. The first file is treated as the main document.

Checked and fixed inside your browser. Your files are never uploaded or stored.

Common questions

Should I combine exhibits into one PDF or file them separately?
Follow your court's preference. The Northern District of Illinois, for example, encourages combining exhibits into one attachment when the result stays under its 35 MB limit, labeled with the range ("Exhibits A through D"). Courts with attachment limits, such as the Second Circuit (10 attachments), may require combining.
Do I need bookmarks for each exhibit?
In California, yes: Rule of Court 3.1110(f)(4) requires electronic exhibits to have a bookmark to the first page of each exhibit, titled with the exhibit number or letter and a short description. Elsewhere bookmarks are good practice for long filings.
How do I name the parts of a split exhibit?
Use the exhibit name plus the part number, for example "Exhibit A, Part 1 of 3". Some courts prefer page ranges ("Pages 93–163"). Keep the parts in order.
Will splitting break my bookmarks?
With most tools, yes: they drop the bookmarks or leave them pointing at the wrong pages. Docket Prime rebuilds each part's bookmarks so they point at the right pages, and keeps the parent headings.