Frequently Asked Questions About CM/ECF

Tip: Use the Find function (Edit > Find) in your browser to find questions and answers in this page.

1 August 2009 - NOTICE FOR APPLE MACINTOSH USERS: The Court has updated CM/ECF to version 2.1.3. To use CM/ECF, Macintosh users must update their system to Java 1.6 Update 13, released in June 2009 by Apple as Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 4 (this is Java 1.6 Update 13). You will not be able to log in if you have not installed this update.

Additional sources of information:

Registration for CM/ECF and Overview of the Appellate Version of CM/ECF

  1. How do I register to be a filer?
  2. How do I retrieve my login or password?
  3. How do I update my street address and/or email address with the court?
  4. I left the firm where I was working, how do I change my email address if I cannot remember my password?
  5. Can a firm register once for all its attorneys?
  6. I am a court reporter. How do I register to be a filer?
  7. I will not be filing documents in Appellate CM/ECF, but I am interested in receiving notification of docketing activities in certain cases. Can I register to receive notification for cases of interest?
  8. Do I have to register if I have a PACER account and a CM/ECF account at another Court?
  9. Do I have to register for CM/ECF if I registered for electronic noticing in the Ninth Circuit earlier this year?
  10. Is CM/ECF mandatory in the Ninth Circuit?
  11. Must I register before I can file through CM/ECF?
  12. How do I get an exemption?
  13. How long does it take to register for CM/ECF?
  14. Are there any special training or bar membership requirements in order to register and file in CM/ECF?
  15. Is there a charge to register or use CM/ECF?
  16. What help is available for CM/ECF?

Filing and Service Using the Appellate Version of CM/ECF

  1. When is CM/ECF available?
  2. Which documents can be filed using CM/ECF?
  3. I want to file a CJA-related document, such as a CJA voucher, a motion for interim payment, a motion for advance authorization for expert services, or a motion for advance authorization for travel. How do I file this?
  4. Which documents cannot be filed using CM/ECF?
  5. Is there a list of filing categories and types of motions?
  6. Do I need to send the Clerk a paper copy of documents filed through CM/ECF?
  7. Can I view pro se filings through CM/ECF and PACER?
  8. What is a Notice of Docket Activity?
  9. I am signed up for ECF but have not received any electronic notices. Why?
  10. Will I get a confirmation that my filing was processed?
  11. Does my document need a Certificate of Service?
  12. How do I know whether the party or attorney on the other side is participating in CM/ECF?
  13. The party or attorney on the other side is not participating in CM/ECF. How do I serve them?
  14. When I choose Service List from the Reports menu, I get a blank screen. How can I see the service list for my case?
  15. Is "s/" acceptable for CM/ECF filings?
  16. When filing a joint motion, can the filer sign for other parties using "s/"?
  17. Is it acceptable to sign documents digitally?
  18. Can I get a daily summary of all my notices or do I have to get a Notice of Docket Activity for every action or entry?
  19. I represent a party that wants to be added to a case, such as an amicus or an intervenor. Can I file using CM/ECF?
  20. I am not shown as an attorney in the case, but I want to file on behalf of one of the parties in the case. How can I do that?
  21. I want to enter my appearance. How do I do that?
  22. How do I remove an attorney from the service list?
  23. I want to file a motion to seal a document. How do I do that?
  24. I made a mistake, such as filing in the wrong case or submitting the wrong document. What should I do?
  25. I cannot access a document in a Social Security or immigration case. Is there a problem?
  26. How do I file a motion if I have not received notice of a Ninth Circuit case number?
  27. How do I file the same document in more than one case?
  28. Does the Court have any specific standards regarding the appearance and formatting of hyperlinks?
  29. I want to file an Acknowledgment of Hearing Notice, but there is no ECF category for this. What should I do?
  30. I want to file a stipulation but I cannot find that filing type in ECF. What should I do?
  31. Do I still need to file 50 copies of a petition for rehearing en banc?
  32. When I try to file my document, I get an XML Tampering Error and cannot proceed. What should I do?
  33. Does Fed. R. App. P. 26(c) apply to an electronically-filed document?
  34. Is there a size limit for the PDF files that I attach to my filing?
  35. I want to file a notice pursuant to 9th Circuit Rule 10-3.1(a) to notify which transcripts we intend to order, but I cannot find the filing type. How do I file this notice?

Briefs

  1. When I send the Court the 10 copies of the brief in paper format, do I need to serve the brief in paper format on other parties?
  2. When I prepare the 10 copies of the brief in paper format, should I sign them in handwriting or with an electronic signature?
  3. When I prepare the 10 copies of the brief in paper format, how do I include the Certification that the brief is identical to the version submitted electronically?
  4. When I prepare the 10 copies of the brief in paper format, do I still need to comply with the rules regarding binding and covers?

Technical Questions

  1. What equipment and software do I need to file?
  2. Why can't I get past the Warning dialog box, even though I am clicking all the Continue checkboxes and the OK button?
  3. I want to use a form on the Court's website, but I am unable to save the information I filled in. What do I do?
  4. Are there any resources that can assist users in learning how to create hyperlinks in briefs or other documents?

Registration for CM/ECF and Overview of Appellate CM/ECF

  1. How do I register to be a filer?
    An Appellate ECF Filer login and password are required to file documents in CM/ECF. All CM/ECF registrations are handled by the PACER Service Center. In order to register, go to: Appellate CM/ECF Filer Registration and follow the instructions.
    You can reach the Pacer Service Center at 800-676-6856. [Back to Top]
  2. How do I retrieve my login or password?
    Do not contact the Court. Instead do the following:
    1. Go to Appellate Filer Account Update
    2. Under Forgot your password? (in the left part of the page), click the Retrieve Appellate Filer Username/Password link.
    3. Follow the instructions to retrieve the information.

    [Back to Top]
  3. How do I update my street address and/or email address with the court?
    Appellate Electronic Filers must update their street addresses or email addresses by using the Appellate Filer Account Update function at PACER. [Back to Top]
  4. I left the firm where I was working, how do I change my email address if I cannot remember my password?
    Contact PACER for assistance at 1-800-676-6856. [Back to Top]
  5. Can a firm register once for all its attorneys?
    No. Each attorney in a firm must register separately using his or her own name. [Back to Top]
  6. I am a court reporter. How do I register to be a filer?
    You register the same way other filers register and you identify yourself as a court reporter during the registration process. At the Personal Information page, you will see a set of radio buttons labeled "Are you." You will select the a court reporter radio button at this page in the registration process. [Back to Top]
  7. I will not be filing documents in Appellate CM/ECF, but I am interested in receiving notification of docketing activities in certain cases. Can I register to receive notification for cases of interest?
    Yes, you can. See the answer on the PACER site that explains the steps. [Back to Top]
  8. Do I have to register if I have a PACER account and a CM/ECF account at another Court?
    Yes. Your CM/ECF account is an authorization to file in a specific Court, and it is separate from your nationwide PACER account. You must complete a separate CM/ECF registration for every Court where you intend to be a filer.
    If you are already registered in another appellate Court, you should log in to your appellate filer account and add the Ninth Circuit. [Back to Top]
  9. Do I have to register for CM/ECF if I registered for electronic noticing in the Ninth Circuit earlier this year?
    Yes. [Back to Top]
  10. Is CM/ECF mandatory in the Ninth Circuit?
    Starting January 2, 2009, use of the CM/ECF system for filing will be mandatory for attorney filers and court reporters. It will be voluntary for non-attorney filers.
    The use of the CM/ECF system is voluntary from September 2, 2008 to January 1, 2009, but we strongly encourage you to register before January 1, 2009. [Back to Top]
  11. Must I register before I can file through CM/ECF?
    Yes. You cannot file through CM/ECF until you register and the Court approves you as a filer. [Back to Top]
  12. How do I get an exemption?
    Exemptions for attorney filers and court reporters will be granted for good cause. The Court expects to grant few exemptions. If you believe you cannot participate as a CM/ECF filer, please complete the CM/ECF Exemption Form and submit it to the Clerk for review. [Back to Top]
  13. How long does it take to register for CM/ECF?
    CM/ECF registration will usually be completed within 10 business days. When your registration is complete, you will receive an email from the PACER Service Center confirming your registration. [Back to Top]
  14. Are there any special training or bar membership requirements in order to register and file in CM/ECF?
    No. You do not have to be a member of the Ninth Circuit's bar in order to register or file a document in a case. There are no training requirements, but the Court strongly recommends that users review the Electronic Learning Modules and the ECF User Guide available on our website. To see available training and documentation, see the Training and Documentation sections on the main Electronic Case Filing page of the Court's website. [Back to Top]
  15. Is there any charge to register or use CM/ECF?
    No. There is no charge to register or to make a CM/ECF filing. Please note that when you access documents through your PACER account, you are subject to the $.08 per page charge. As in the District Court and Bankruptcy Court systems, filers and parties in the case get one free look at all filings when they view them from the Notice of Docket Activity, and we recommend that you print or download the documents at that time. [Back to Top]
  16. What help is available for CM/ECF?
    • The Court has worked with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to develop a series of online electronic training modules for the appellate version of CM/ECF. See the Training (Electronic Learning Modules) section on the main Electronic Case Filing page of the Court's website.
    • An ECF User Guide is also available. See the Documentation section on the main Electronic Case Filing page of the Court's website.
    • In-Person Training for Appellate Electronic Case Filing is being offered the first Tuesday of each month at 12 noon Pacific Time at San Francisco's James R. Browning Courthouse.
    • If you are having difficulty registering for CM/ECF or have questions about your PACER or CM/ECF accounts, you should contact the PACER Service Center at 800-676-6856.
    • If you need to modify or update either your PACER or CM/ECF accounts, you can do so at the PACER website at https://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/. The PACER Service Center maintains extensive lists of FAQs for both PACER and CM/ECF. You can access them at the PACER website.
    • You can contact the Clerk's office at CMECF_ca9help@ca9.uscourts.gov for assistance with filing. If you send an email, please include information such as case numbers, filer's name, and any other information that can assist us in answering your question. You can expect a reply from the Court during the Court's business hours, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

    [Back to Top]

Filing and Service Using the Appellate Version of CM/ECF

  1. When is CM/ECF available?
    The system is always available (except for routine or emergency maintenance). Filings completed by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on a business day will be entered on the docket as of that date. If you experience difficulties, please contact the Clerk's office during normal business hours at CMECF_ca9help@ca9.uscourts.gov. [Back to Top]
  2. Which documents can be filed using CM/ECF?
    You can file nearly all pleadings and correspondence using CM/ECF. See the Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing in All Ninth Circuit Cases for details. [Back to Top]
  3. I want to file a CJA-related document, such as a CJA voucher, a motion for interim payment, a motion for advance authorization for expert services, or a motion for advance authorization for travel. How do I file this?
    Please file all CJA-related documents by paper copy only. Do not file them via the appellate ECF system. [Back to Top]
  4. Which documents cannot be filed using CM/ECF?
    A list of documents which cannot be filed using CM/ECF are contained in the Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing in All Ninth Circuit Cases. [Back to Top]
  5. Is there a list of filing categories and types of motions?
    Yes, the list is in the ECF User Guide that you can find in the Documentation section of the Electronic Case Filing page of the Court's website. [Back to Top]
  6. Do I need to send the Clerk a paper copy of a document filed through CM/ECF?
    No, no paper copies are allowed unless ordered by the Court. [Back to Top]
  7. Can I view pro se filings through CM/ECF and PACER?
    • For all pro se filings filed electronically: the filing will be accessible through the public docket as soon as it is filed.
    • For all pro se filings filed on paper with the Court before January 1, 2009: the filing will not be accessible through the public docket.
    • For all pro se filings filed on paper with the Court after January 1, 2009: the filing will be accessible through the public docket as soon as the Court has scanned the filing and entered the filing on the docket.
    [Back to Top]
  8. What is a Notice of Docket Activity?
    A Notice of Docket Activity is an email notice which is generated when a docket transaction requires that notice be sent to attorneys, case participants or Court personnel. Notices of Docket Activity can be generated when a party or attorney files a document with the Clerk's office or when the Court enters an order or takes other public actions in a case. If you are a CM/ECF participant, your receipt of the Notice of Docket Activity is service of that document or order, and registration for the CM/ECF system constitutes consent to receive service through the Notice of Docket Activity. Generally, a Notice of Docket Activity contains a hyperlink back to Court's docket sheet and the document in question. When parties receive a Notice of Docket Activity, they can click on the Document(s) link to get their one free look of the document(s). In the district court and bankruptcy court systems the Notice of Docket Activity is called the Notice of Electronic Filing. [Back to Top]
  9. I am signed up for ECF but have not received any electronic notices. Why?
    It is possible that no activity has occurred in your cases. However, you may not see the notices from the Court because your spam filter is at work. You must update your spam filter to allow email messages from ca9.uscourts.gov. The Court does not reply to requests for identification from your spam filter. [Back to Top]
  10. Will I get a confirmation that my filing was processed?
    For all filings, the Notice of Docket Activity email is confirmation that you filed or submitted the document, and that your document has been docketed. For all filings except briefs, you may assume the filing is being processed as long as you do not receive an order from the Court striking your filing. For briefs, the Court will issue an order informing you of the next step in the brief-filing process. [Back to Top]
  11. Does my document need a Certificate of Service?
    Yes. A Certificate of Service is required for all filings. Make the Certificate of Service the last page of the document. See Rule 8 of the Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing in All Ninth Circuit Cases. You can use this sample Certificate of Service to get started. [Back to Top]
  12. How do I know whether the party or attorney on the other side is participating in CM/ECF?
    You can determine if others are participating in CM/ECF by logging into CM/ECF, choosing Reports > Service List, and typing in your case number. If the word Active is in the ECF Filing Status column, then the party or attorney is participating in CM/ECF, and your electronic filing will constitute service to the party. If a hyphen (-) or the word Pending, or Rejected, or Suspended is in the ECF Filing Status column, then the party or attorney is not participating in CM/ECF, and you must service this party by US Mail. [Back to Top]
  13. The party or attorney on the other side is not participating in CM/ECF. How do serve I them?
    When the opposing party or attorney is not a CM/ECF participant, you must serve them in traditional fashion. See Fed. R. App. P. 25 in Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and Rule 8 of the Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing in All Ninth Circuit Cases. [Back to Top]
  14. When I choose Service List from the Reports menu, I get a blank screen. How can I see the service list for my case?
    The service list opens in a new browser window. You must ensure that there are no pop-up blockers that prevent you from seeing the service list.
    The easiest way to check is to turn on the sound on your system, then try to access the Service List (or the Help). If you hear a distinctive "ding," you know that something is blocking a web page from opening.Make sure you change the pop-up blocker settings to allow all pop-ups from our site. [Back to Top]
  15. Is "s/" acceptable for electronic filings?
    Yes. Please list the names of all signatories by means of an "s/" typed name for each signatory. You must also maintain a signed copy of the filed document until the appellate process is completed in the case. See Rule 7 of the Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing in All Ninth Circuit Cases. [Back to Top]
  16. When filing a joint motion, can the filer sign for other parties using "s/"?
    Yes, if the filer has permission from the other parties, then the filer can sign for other parties using one of the following formats: s/Other Parties' Name (with permission), or s/Filer's Name (for Other Party). [Back to Top]
  17. Is it acceptable to sign documents digitally?
    No. Even though some applications let you insert a digital signature in a PDF document, CM/ECF does not accept PDF files with digital signatures. Use "s/" followed by the typed name of counsel instead. [Back to Top]
  18. Can I get a daily summary of all my notices or do I have to get a Notice of Docket Activity for every action or entry?
    PACER gives you two options: a daily summary of notices or a notice for each individual transaction. The default is individual transaction noticing, but you can change that by updating your account information at the Pacer Service Center by logging in Appellate Filer Account Update. If you prefer a daily summary, select Daily Summary instead of Each Transaction for the Notice of Docket Activity Frequency option. [Back to Top]
  19. I represent a party that wants to be added to a case, such as an amicus or an intervenor. Can I file using CM/ECF?
    Prospective amici and intervenors may file motions and may submit briefs using CM/ECF by selecting a filing in the Prospective Amici and Intervenors category. [Back to Top]
  20. I am not shown as an attorney in the case, but I want to file on behalf of one of the parties in the case. How can I do that?
    The Clerk's office relies on the Notice of Appeal or Petition for Review, docketing materials and district court docket sheet when it opens a new case and sets up the party and attorney information. In some instances that information is not complete or changes after the case is docketed, and you may need to be added as an attorney in the case. Until you are added as an attorney in the case, you will not receive Notices of Docket Activity and you cannot file any document other than a Notice of Appearance or Re-Assignment form. If you submit a Notice of Appearance of Counsel or Re-Assignment form, the Clerk's office will complete the steps required to enter you as an attorney and authorized filer in the case. When this work is completed, you will receive a Notice of Docket Activity confirming your entry. At that point, you can file pleadings through CM/ECF. Remember, you must always register with the PACER Service Center as an appellate filer and receive a CM/ECF login and password before you can use CM/ECF. [Back to Top]
  21. I want to enter my appearance. How do I do that?
    You must be an authorized appellate CM/ECF user with a valid Ninth Circuit CM/ECF login and password to file a Notice of Appearance or Re-Assignment form or any other pleading. Authorized users may complete the Notice of Appearance of Counsel or Re-Assignment form. Save the form to your computer and attach it in PDF format to the File a Notice of Appearance or Re-Assignment event in the Court's CM/ECF system. Until you are added as an attorney in the case, you cannot file any document other than a Notice of Appearance or Re-Assignment form. After you submit a Notice of Appearance or Re-Assignment form, the Clerk's office will complete the steps required to enter you as an attorney and authorized filer in the case. When this work is completed, you will receive a Notice of Docket Activity confirming your entry. At that point, you can file pleadings through CM/ECF. [Back to Top]
  22. How do I remove an attorney from the service list?
    File a motion to withdraw as counsel. Use filing category Motions/Responses/Replies, filing type File a Motion, relief (on the second page) motion to withdraw as counsel. If the attorney is no longer with your firm, you may use the login of another attorney (who is counsel of record in the case) to file the motion. [Back to Top]
  23. I want to file a motion to seal a document. How do I do that?
    Motions for permission to file a document under seal must be filed in paper format and must be accompanied by an electronic version of the document on either CD or DVD. The motion should state whether the filing party believes the motion to seal itself may be made available to the public or should remain sealed. See Rule 4 of the Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing in All Ninth Circuit Cases. [Back to Top]
  24. I made a mistake, such as filing in the wrong case or submitting the wrong document. What should I do?
    You cannot delete events or documents. If you have made an error (such as filed in the wrong case or submitted the wrong version of a document), send a message to CMECF_ca9help@ca9.uscourts.gov with the details of your filing. You will receive a response instructing you what to do next. [Back to Top]
  25. I cannot access a document in a Social Security or immigration case. Is there a problem?
    No. Remote electronic access to documents in Social Security cases and immigration matters is limited to the attorneys or parties in the case in order to protect the privacy of the individuals involved in those cases. You may inspect these files in person in the Clerk's office. If you are a party or attorney in the case, please note that you can access documents in these cases only by using your CM/ECF Filer ID and Password and choosing Reports > PACER Report after you have logged in to CM/ECF. See Rule 13 of the Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing in All Ninth Circuit Cases. [Back to Top]
  26. How do I file a motion if I have not received notice of a Ninth Circuit case number?
    You must file the motion in paper format. See Rule 4 of the Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing in All Ninth Circuit Cases. [Back to Top]
  27. How do I file the same document in more than one case?
    In the File a Document window, type the lowest case number in the Case field and press the Tab key. If other case numbers appear in the Case Selection box, they will not be checked. Select the checkboxes for those cases where you wish to file the document.
    TIP: You can select all the checkboxes by clicking the All button. You can also click the Clear All button to clear all the checkboxes. You can then click the checkboxes for the relevant cases. If no other cases are listed in the Case Selection box, you must file the document in each case separately. [Back to Top]
  28. Does the Court have any specific standards regarding the appearance and formatting of hyperlinks?
    No, any format of hyperlink is acceptable as long as it complies with Rule 11 of the Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing in All Ninth Circuit Cases. [Back to Top]
  29. I want to file an Acknowledgment of Hearing Notice, but there is no ECF category for this. What should I do?
    You cannot file an Acknowledgment of Hearing Notice via ECF. Instead, you must mail the form to the street address or email it to the email address on the Notice. [Back to Top]
  30. I want to file a stipulation but I cannot find that filing type in ECF. What should I do?
    File your stipulation as a motion (File a Motion) and select Stipulated as the optional modifier for the motion.[Back to Top]
  31. Do I still need to file 50 copies of a petition for rehearing en banc?
    Petitions for rehearing en banc, or a combination petition for panel rehearing/en banc, are not subject to the special rules for briefs. Therefore, you should not file any paper copies after electronically filing the petition. [Back to Top]
  32. When I try to file my document, I get an XML Tampering Error and cannot proceed. What should I do?
    There are several reasons you may get an error:
    • The file name of the PDF you are attaching has special characters, such as letters with accents. CM/ECF does not accept special characters in file names. To fix the problem, rename the PDF and try again.
    • You entered a special character in the Description field for the PDF you are attaching. CM/ECF does not accept special characters in text fields. To fix the problem, change the text in the Description field so that there are no special characters.
    [Back to Top]
  33. Does Fed. R. App. P. 26(c) apply to an electronically-filed document?
    Yes. When you are required or permitted to act within a number of days after you are served with an electronically-filed document (for example, file a response to a motion within 8 days after service of the motion, Fed. R. App. 27(a)(3)), you may add 3 calendar days to the period pursuant to Fed. R. App. P. 26(c).
    However, note that Fed. R. App. P. 26(c) never applies if the Court or a rule orders or permits you to respond within a number of days that is not described as beginning after you are served (for example, a Court order stating that you must show cause within 14 days). You may not add 3 calendar days to that period of time. [Back to Top]
  34. Is there a size limit for the PDF files that I attach to my filing?
    Yes. Each PDF that you attach to your filing may not exceed 5 MB. [Back to Top]
  35. I want to file a notice pursuant to 9th Circuit Rule 10-3.1(a) to notify which transcripts we intend to order, but I cannot find the filing type. How do I file this notice?
    File your notice as a Transcript Designation. Filing category Transcripts/Court Reporters, filing type File Transcript Designation (9th Cir. R. 10-3). [Back to Top]

Briefs

  1. When I send the Court the 10 copies of the brief in paper format, do I need to serve the brief in paper format on other parties?
    If the other party is an electronic filer, you do not need to serve the brief in paper format on that party. If the other party is not an electronic filer, you should have served the brief in paper format on that party on the day that you submitted the brief to the Court. [Back to Top]
  2. When I prepare the 10 copies of the brief in paper format, should I sign them in handwriting or with an electronic signature?
    Either way is fine. The paper copies may have a handwritten signature or an electronic signature. [Back to Top]
  3. When I prepare the 10 copies of the brief in paper format, how do I include the Certification that the brief is identical to the version submitted electronically?
    Attach the Certification to the end of each paper copy of the brief, just like your Certificate of Compliance. For an example, see Certificate for Brief in Paper Format. [Back to Top]
  4. When I prepare the 10 copies of the brief in paper format, do I still need to comply with the rules regarding binding and covers?
    Yes, the paper copies must comply with Fed. R. App. P. 32, including the rules regarding binding and covers. [Back to Top]

Technical Questions

See Also: What hardware and software will attorneys need to participate in CM/ECF? (CM/ECF FAQs at PACER)

  1. What equipment and software do I need to file in CM/ECF?
    You need a PC or a Mac, a good internet connection, a browser (Internet Explorer 6 or Mozilla Firefox), Java Version 6, and an application that will let you create and save PDF documents, such as Adobe Acrobat.

    Java: You must have Java. If you do not have Java on your computer (or if you aren't sure if you do) go to http://www.java.com/. You will note that there is a question/link below the Free Java Download button which asks Do I have Java? If you are not sure whether you have it, this link will run a diagnostic check on your computer and let you know whether it is already loaded. If you need to download or update Java, simply click the Free Java Download button and follow the directions on the subsequent pages. The Java Version 6 download is free, and the program takes only a few minutes to load.
    Note that the Google toolbar is known to interfere with CM/ECF, so we strongly suggest that you do not download that toolbar.

    NOTE TO MAC USERS: The Apple Macintosh platform (Intel-based, 64-bit capable) can now be used to run all parts of the ECF with no extra software. See the "Macintosh Users and ECF" chapter in the ECF User Guide for details.

    1 August 2009 - NOTICE FOR APPLE MACINTOSH USERS: The Court has updated CM/ECF to version 2.1.3. To use CM/ECF, Macintosh users must update their system to Java 1.6 Update 13, released in June 2009 by Apple as Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 4 (this is Java 1.6 Update 13). You will not be able to log in if you have not installed this update.


    Screen Resolution: The minimum screen resolution required to run ECF is 1024 x 768 pixels. If the screen resolution for your workstation is lower, you must change the resolution before you start using ECF.

    You can find additional information, including system requirements, in the Appellate CM/ECF Release Notes.
    [Back to Top]
  2. Why can't I get past the Warning dialog box, even though I am clicking all the Continue checkboxes and the OK button?
    Your screen resolution is too low, so some of the Continue checkboxes are hidden. The minimum screen resolution required to run ECF is 1024 x 768 pixels. If the screen resolution for your workstation is lower, you must change the resolution before you start using ECF.
  3. I want to use a form on the Court's website, but I am unable to save the information I filled in. What do I do?
    To save any fill in PDF forms, you must have an application that will let you save filled in PDF forms, such as Adobe Acrobat. If you do not have such an application, fill in the form and print it. Scan the printed, filled in version of the form, save the scanned file as a PDF and attach it to your filing. [Back to Top]
  4. Are there any resources that can assist users in learning how to create hyperlinks in briefs or other documents?
    The following websites provide useful information on this subject: eBrief Demo, is an electronic module (a recording) that illustrates the steps to merge multiple PDF documents into a single file and then to create hyperlinks and bookmarks in the merged document. The second is an article with start to finish instructions on creating an e-brief. Note that the Court does not maintain the information at the links provided in this answer. They are provided on an as-is basis.[Back to Top]

If you still have a question about CM/ECF after reviewing the information in this page, please do the following:

  1. Check the CM/ECF Frequently Asked Questions page at PACER.
  2. Check the PACER Frequently Asked Questions page.
  3. If you still do not have an answer, send your question to CMECF_ca9help@ca9.uscourts.gov. If you send an email, please include information such as case numbers, filer's name, and any other information that can assist us in answering your question. You can expect a reply from the Court during the Court's business hours, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Last Update: 12 August 2009

[Back to Top]