Portable Document Format (PDF) is the de facto standard for the secure and
reliable distribution and exchange of electronic documents and forms around
the world, with a ten-year track record. PDF is a universal file format that
preserves the fonts, images, graphics, and layout of any source document,
regardless of the application and platform used to create it. To file a case
electronically with the Connecticut Judicial Branch, you will need to create
PDF documents.
There are three methods you may use to create a PDF document:
- conversion
- scanning
- original creation using PDF software.
The first two are the most common means you are likely to use for e-filing.
This page addresses the first: converting an existing document to PDF
format.
Newer versions of popular word processing programs such as WordPerfect�
already have the ability to convert documents. If yours does not have this
capability, all you need to do is select a "PDF writer/conversion" program
and install it to your computer. After that installation, you may create PDF
documents as easily as you print documents!
For example when you are
ready to print a motion using common word processing programs, you would
select "file", then "print" and see this dialog box:

In the above example, the computer has the free CutePDFTM Writer, so we
selected that instead of the regular default printer. After selecting the OK
button you are asked for a File Name. In this example we named the file a
name we could later identify as a specific document in a specific case. Then
click "Save".
That is all that is required to create a PDF each time from your word
processor! The first (one time) task will be for you to obtain your PDF
Writer.
Note: The
State of Connecticut Judicial Branch does not endorse any particular
software product, nor do we assume responsibility for supporting any
software you install on your PC. The information supplied below to
products and services are provided as a courtesy and may not continue to
be available at the links shown below. There are many other options for
converting and writing PDF files. You may wish to do an internet search
or work with the entities that provide your computer support to find a
PDF solution.
Disclaimer Regarding
Third-Party Websites
Important: Review the system requirements
before downloading any of the listed programs.
There are several PDF Writer/Conversion programs available. Here
are some options:
Commercial PDF
Writers |
Adobe Acrobat Products |
Adobe� Acrobat� software allows you to
create Adobe� PDF files for reliable document sharing
and can be purchased at many different locations,
including by mail and online. For a description of all
available products, visit Adobe�s online store. |
PDF Conversion
Services |
 |
You may also purchase a monthly or yearly
subscription to �Create Adobe PDF Online�, a Web-hosted
service that lets you convert a wide variety of
documents into Adobe� PDF files. Free trials for Adobe�
Acrobat� products may be available. |