PACFile Exhibit Filing Guide
PACFile is the exclusive electronic filing system administered by Pennsylvania AOPC. Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has stricter requirements with 5 MB limits and exact 8.5 inch width requirement. Copies filed electronically do not constitute originals for evidentiary purposes.
PACFile Requirements
PDF Format Requirements
PDFs must have black text on white pages. Color exhibits accepted but must meet formatting standards.
Not Evidentiary Originals
Important: Copies electronically filed through PACFile do not constitute the original exhibit for evidentiary purposes per Pa.R.C.P. 205.4.
Variable File Size Limits
Statewide limit is less than 500 MB total. Philadelphia has much stricter 5 MB per file limit with exact 8.5 inch width requirement.
Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 Compliance
Pre-trial statements must contain list of all exhibits intended for trial. Exhibits must be made available to other parties.
Accepted File Formats
- • PDF format required
- • Black text on white pages
- • Less than 500 MB total
- • Philadelphia: 5 MB limit, exactly 8.5" width
Common PACFile Filing Issues
Philadelphia 5 MB Limit Exceeded
Philadelphia has the strictest limit in Pennsylvania at 5 MB per file. Compress images or split large exhibits. Use exhibit separator pages instead of tabs for better scanning.
Width Not Exactly 8.5 Inches
Philadelphia requires exactly 8.5 inches width (not 8.49" or 8.51"). Check your PDF page size in document properties before uploading.
Exhibit Not Original
Remember that PACFile copies are not evidentiary originals. Bring physical originals to trial or make arrangements with opposing counsel per Pa.R.C.P. 205.4.
Missing Copy Requirements
Philadelphia Rule *223.1 requires true and correct copies presented to Trial Judge and all counsel when marked. Plan for physical copies at trial.
🆕 New: Trial Binder Mode for Multi-Exhibit Filings
Filing multiple exhibits with PACFile? Use Trial Binder Mode to create court-ready exhibit books with alphabetic labels (A, B, C), per-exhibit page numbering (A1-A5), and auto-generated table of contents. Great for complex filings with numerous exhibits.
Learn about Trial Binder ModeWhy Use ExhibitPrep for PACFile?
ExhibitPrep ensures your exhibits meet all PACFile requirements before you upload.
Pa.R.C.P. Compliant
ExhibitPrep stamps meet Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure exhibit marking requirements.
Philadelphia Ready
Templates work with Philadelphia strict 5 MB and 8.5" width requirements.
Clean PDF Output
Black text on white pages formatting maintained in all exports.
Separator Page Friendly
Works well with Pennsylvania practice of using separator pages instead of tabs.
How to Prepare Exhibits for PACFile
Upload PDF exhibits
Ensure documents meet Philadelphia 5 MB limit if filing there. Check page width is exactly 8.5 inches.
Select Pennsylvania template
Choose P-1, P-2 for plaintiffs or D-1, D-2 for defendants per Pennsylvania convention.
Add stamps and preview
Position exhibit stamps. ExhibitPrep shows file size for Philadelphia compliance.
Download stamped exhibits
Export PDFs ready for PACFile. Maintain physical originals for trial.
Upload to PACFile portal
Log in to ujsportal.pacourts.us and upload exhibits through PACFile system.
Ready to File with PACFile?
Stamp your exhibits now and upload to PACFile in minutes.
PACFile Guides by Practice Area
Practice-specific filing requirements and exhibit tips for PACFile.
Frequently Asked Questions about PACFile
What is the PACFile file size limit?
PACFile limits vary by county. Statewide, submissions must be less than 500 MB total. Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has much stricter limits: 5 MB per file with exactly 8.5 inches width requirement. This is the strictest limit among Pennsylvania counties.
Are PACFile exhibits considered originals?
No. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 205.4 specifically states that copies electronically filed through PACFile do not constitute the original of an exhibit for evidentiary purposes. You must bring physical originals to trial or make arrangements with opposing counsel and the court.
What is Philadelphia Rule *223.1?
Philadelphia Civil Rule *223.1 requires that true and correct copies of exhibits must be presented to the Trial Judge and to all counsel when marked. Philadelphia also requires Rule *5101 certification of compliance. This means Philadelphia requires both electronic filing AND physical copies at trial.
How do I mark exhibits in Pennsylvania courts?
Pennsylvania typically uses P-1, P-2, P-3 for plaintiffs and D-1, D-2, D-3 for defendants. Allegheny County Local Rule 205.2(a) specifies plaintiffs use Arabic numerals and defendants use letters. Pennsylvania practice often uses exhibit separator pages instead of tabs for easier scanning.
What are Pennsylvania exhibit disclosure deadlines?
Per Pa.R.C.P. 212.1(b), plaintiff pre-trial statement is due 60 days after trial notice, and defendant statement is due 90 days after notice. Amendments are permitted up to 7 days before trial. Check your case scheduling order for specific deadlines.
Official PACFile Portal
Access the official PACFile system to file your stamped exhibits.
Visit PACFile →