PACER / CM/ECF file size limit and PDF requirements
Short answer
There is no single CM/ECF file size limit: each U.S. federal court sets its own maximum PDF size. Check the court’s CM/ECF lookup, or choose a specific court for an exact check.
Source: Is there a limit to the size of PDF files which CM/ECF will accept?
Source checked: October 21, 2026
Requirements
Every rule PACER / CM/ECF publishes that affects your PDF, with its source.
No verified requirements to list. Check the official source before you file.
Check your PDF for PACER / CM/ECF
Runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Choose where you’re filing
Add your files
Drop your PDFs here
Or choose them from your device. They stay on this device; nothing is uploaded.
Also worth knowing
- If a document exceeds a court’s limit, PACER recommends breaking it into separate, smaller documents.
Sources
- [1]Is there a limit to the size of PDF files which CM/ECF will accept?
PACER (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts)
Read on October 21, 2026.
Get an email if these rules change
We re-read every source at least once a week. One email when a source for PACER / CM/ECF changes, nothing else.
Changelog
Re-checked the FAQ: limits are set court by court.
Other United States portals
| Portal | Size limit | Page limit | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Visa Center (NVC) / CEAC document uploadFederal, agencyVerified | 2 MBper file | Verified | |
| USCIS online account evidence uploadFederal, agencyVerified | 12MBper file | Verified | |
| eFileAZ, Arizona limited jurisdiction courts (self-represented)Arizona, courtVerified | 9.5 MBper file | Verified | |
| Findlay (Ohio) Municipal Court e-filingOhio, courtVerified | 20 MBper file | Verified | |
| Florida Courts E-Filing PortalFlorida, courtVerified | 50MBper file | Verified | |
| Iowa Judicial Branch eFILE (EDMS)Iowa, courtVerified | 20 MBper submission | Verified |