PACFile Exhibit Filing Guide
PACFile is the exclusive electronic filing system administered by Pennsylvania AOPC. Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas requires files no larger than 5 MB each and PDF pages 8 and 1/2 inches in size exactly. Copies filed electronically do not constitute originals for evidentiary purposes.
- PACFile is the electronic filing system for Pennsylvania courts.
- The PACFile file size limit is 5 MB (Philadelphia).
- The primary accepted file format on PACFile is PDF format required.
- The official PACFile portal is at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/.
- ExhibitPrep applies exhibit stamps entirely in the browser, so case files never leave the user’s computer.
- ExhibitPrep includes 29 court-ready stamp templates covering plaintiff, defendant, deposition, and joint exhibit designations.
- ExhibitPrep’s Trial Binder Mode builds exhibit books with alphabetic labels (A, B, C), per-exhibit page numbering (A1–A5), and an auto-generated table of contents.
PACFile Requirements
PDF Format Requirements
PDFs must have black text on white pages. Confirm the current PDF formatting requirements, including color, with the court's e-filing system.
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
Confirm the current statewide file-size limit with PACFile. Philadelphia limits files to 5 MB each and requires PDF pages 8 and 1/2 inches in size exactly.
Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 Compliance
A pre-trial statement must contain a list of all exhibits which a party intends to use at trial. Exhibits listed in the pre-trial statement, or copies of them, must be made available by the party filing the statement.
Accepted File Formats
- • PDF format required
- • Black text on white pages
- • Confirm the current file-size limits with PACFile
- • Philadelphia: 5 MB per file, PDF pages 8 and 1/2 inches exactly
Common PACFile Filing Issues
Philadelphia 5 MB Limit Exceeded
Philadelphia limits each e-filed file to 5 MB. Compress images or split large exhibits. Use exhibit separator pages instead of tabs for better scanning.
PDF Page Size Not Exactly 8 and 1/2 Inches
Philadelphia requires PDF pages to be 8 and 1/2 inches in size exactly. 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 Civil Rule *223.1 requires true and correct copies of an exhibit to be presented to the Trial Judge and each counsel of record when it is marked for identification, with listed exceptions. 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 prepares embedded exhibit labels for your review. Inspect the export against the current PACFile requirements before you upload.
Pa.R.C.P. Review
Prepare embedded exhibit labels, then compare the exported PDF with the current Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure requirements.
Philadelphia Ready
Check file size against Philadelphia's 5 MB per-file limit and use PDF pages 8 and 1/2 inches in size exactly.
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 that PDF pages are exactly 8 and 1/2 inches in size.
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.
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. Confirm the current statewide submission size limit with PACFile. Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas e-filing limits each file to 5 MB and requires PDF pages to be 8 and 1/2 inches in size exactly. 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. Confirm with the assigned judge whether originals or copies of trial exhibits must be brought to trial.
What is Philadelphia Rule *223.1?
Philadelphia Civil Rule *223.1 requires true and correct copies of an exhibit to be presented to the Trial Judge and each counsel of record when it is marked for identification, with listed exceptions. Confirm with the Philadelphia court whether any certification must accompany exhibit lists and exhibits. Plan to have copies ready for the Trial Judge and counsel when exhibits are marked at trial in Philadelphia.
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. Check the Allegheny County local rules and the assigned judge's order for exhibit marking conventions. 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), the plaintiff's pre-trial statement is due not later than sixty days before the earliest trial date and the defendant's not later than thirty days before, unless local rule or special order changes the times. Check Pa.R.C.P. 212.1 and the local rules or trial order for any deadline to amend a pretrial statement. Check your case scheduling order for specific deadlines.
ExhibitPrep formats documents; it does not provide legal advice or filing approval. Some guidance remains unverified. Citations support only their stated claims and scope. Review the finished files against current court instructions and case orders before filing. Check requirements and the finished PDF before filing.
Official PACFile Portal
Access the official PACFile system to file your stamped exhibits.
Visit PACFile →