A PDF That Can't Be Exported as Uploaded

Some PDFs carry things a stamped exhibit can't keep: files attached inside them, a digital signature or signature field, scripts or actions, a dynamic form, a portfolio of other files, or embedded media. ExhibitPrep marks those documents Can't be exported as uploaded, names the reason, and keeps the rest of your exhibit set ready. Your original file is unchanged.

Where you will see it

• Under Check your source documents, after you add documents: the document's name, the reason and what to do.
• On the document's row in the list: Can't be exported as uploaded — see source checks.
• On the review and placement screens: the export button reads 1 document can't be exported — see why. Choosing it takes you to the affected documents instead of starting the export.

Each affected document has two buttons. Replace with a new copy swaps in a file you choose and keeps the document's exhibit label and stamp placement. Remove document takes it out of this exhibit set; the file on your computer is not deleted, and automatic exhibit labels may change.

The usual fix: print it to a new PDF

Printing a PDF to a new PDF makes a plain copy of its pages, which usually removes these features.

1. Open the PDF. On Windows, any PDF reader works. On a Mac, use Preview: Adobe Acrobat Reader's print window may not offer Save as PDF.
2. Choose File → Print.
3. Choose the PDF printer: Microsoft Print to PDF on Windows; in Preview on a Mac, open the PDF menu at the bottom of the print window and choose Save as PDF. In Chrome or Edge, choose Save as PDF as the destination.
4. Choose Actual size (or 100% scale), not "Fit". If the document has comments or markups you want to keep, choose Document and Markups where offered.
5. Save the new copy with a clear name.
6. In ExhibitPrep, choose Replace with a new copy beside the document and select the new file. ExhibitPrep checks the new copy too.

If Print is greyed out, the file's permissions block printing; ask whoever sent it for an unrestricted copy.

What printing costs: the new copy loses bookmarks and links, and on some computers it loses searchable text. Check every page before filing. If searchable text is needed, run OCR on the new copy in another PDF tool and check it for errors.

Flatten PDFs does not clear any of these. It changes the stamped copy, while ExhibitPrep checks the original you added.

Each reason, and what to do

Files attached inside the PDF

This PDF has one or more files attached inside it. Attachments are separate from the visible pages, and a stamped copy can't keep them.

What to do: Add any attachment you need as its own exhibit, then replace this document with a printed copy.

How to tell: in Adobe Acrobat Reader, a paperclip icon (Attachments) appears in the side panel. Mac Preview does not always show attachments stored this way.

To keep an attachment as evidence:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Choose the paperclip (Attachments) in the side panel.
3. Select the attachment and choose Save.
4. Add the saved file to ExhibitPrep as its own exhibit.

Then print the PDF itself to a new PDF (see The usual fix, above) and replace this document with that copy.

Digital signature

ExhibitPrep cannot stamp a PDF while it carries a digital signature, because stamping changes the signed file.

What to do: Keep the signed original. Replace this document with a printed copy only if an unsigned copy is acceptable for this filing.

How to tell: Adobe Acrobat Reader usually shows a signature banner across the top of the document and lists the signature in its Signatures panel.

Keep the signed original unchanged. A printed copy keeps the signature's appearance on the page, but it can no longer be checked as digitally signed. Whether that is acceptable for this filing is a decision for you or your attorney; when unsure, ask the court clerk or whoever asked for the document. If it is acceptable, print it to a new PDF and replace this document with that copy.

Empty signature field

This PDF has a signature field. ExhibitPrep cannot stamp a PDF with a signature field, even an empty one.

What to do: Print it to a new PDF, then replace this document with that copy. Complete the other form fields first. Fillable court forms often include an unsigned signature box.

An action that runs when the file opens

This PDF tells the reader to do something when it opens (for example, jump to a page or change the view). A stamped copy can't keep that instruction.

What to do: Print it to a new PDF, then replace this document with that copy.

Where it comes from: often scanner or export software that tells the reader to open at page 1 or at a particular zoom. A stamped exhibit can't carry it.

Built-in scripts

This PDF contains scripts that can run inside a PDF reader. A stamped copy can't keep them.

What to do: Print it to a new PDF, then replace this document with that copy.

Where it comes from: fillable forms with calculated fields, and documents exported from other programs.

Complete any form fields before printing, and check the form values on every page of the new copy.

Actions on pages or fields

This PDF runs actions when pages open or fields are used, which is common in fillable forms. A stamped copy can't keep them.

What to do: Print it to a new PDF, then replace this document with that copy.

Where it comes from: fillable forms that react when a field is used, and documents that run something when a page opens.

Complete any form fields before printing, and check the form values on every page of the new copy.

A dynamic form

This PDF is a dynamic (XFA) form. Most PDF readers cannot show its pages reliably, so it cannot be stamped as uploaded.

What to do: Complete the form in Adobe Acrobat Reader and print it to a new PDF (see Full steps), then replace this document.

How to tell: browsers and Mac Preview often show only a "Please wait…" page instead of the form. Some forms with this kind of form data look normal everywhere and are still marked.

1. Open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader and complete the form.
2. On Windows, print it to Microsoft Print to PDF. On a Mac, Acrobat Reader may not offer Save as PDF in its print window; use Adobe Acrobat, or ask the sender for a printed copy.
3. Check that every page of the new copy shows the completed form, then replace this document with it.

A PDF portfolio

This PDF is a portfolio: a container holding several separate files. Its pages are not the documents inside it.

What to do: Save each file inside it from Adobe Acrobat Reader and add those files instead.

How to tell: the first page is usually a cover sheet asking you to open the portfolio in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader, and the real documents are listed only there.

1. Open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Save each file inside the portfolio.
3. Add those files to ExhibitPrep, then remove this document.

A link that opens another file or program

This PDF contains a link that asks the reader to open another file or program. A stamped copy can't keep it.

What to do: Print it to a new PDF, then replace this document with that copy.

Where it comes from: a link inside the document that opens another file or program.

If the linked file is evidence, add it as its own exhibit.

Embedded audio, video or 3D content

This PDF contains media that plays inside the reader. It would not carry into a prepared exhibit.

What to do: Print the pages to a new PDF and replace this document; add the media itself the way your court accepts media.

Where it comes from: presentations and reports with embedded audio, video or 3D models.

If the check could not finish

If Check your source documents shows Check incomplete for a document (for example, an encrypted PDF), ExhibitPrep checks it again when you export. If it can't be exported, the message names the document and gives the same reason and fix.

Still stuck

Use the issue-report form below. Describe which reason was shown and the step that failed. Do not include confidential document contents; the form does not attach your PDF.