Your First Document Upload

The first time you upload a document to CaseFlow , you'll see why AI-native document processing is different from traditional scanning and OCR. Here's what to expect and how to get the best results.

Supported File Types

CaseFlow accepts PDF files (the most common format for court documents), as well as images in JPEG, PNG, and TIFF formats. If you have documents in other formats like Word or Excel, we recommend converting them to PDF first—most operating systems have built-in PDF creation tools.

File Size Limits

Individual files can be up to 50MB, which accommodates even lengthy case files with hundreds of pages. If you have larger documents, consider splitting them into logical sections (e.g., complaint, exhibits, motions) which also helps with organization and retrieval later.

The Upload Process

From your dashboard, click "Upload Document" or drag and drop files directly into the upload zone. You can upload multiple documents at once, CaseFlow processes them in parallel, so there's no need to wait for one to finish before starting the next. For bulk uploads, you can also use our desktop folder sync tool (available in account settings).

What Happens Next

Within seconds of upload, CaseFlow begins analyzing your document. The AI reads the text (even from scanned images), identifies the document type, extracts key information like case numbers, party names, filing dates, and jurisdiction-specific details. You'll see a progress indicator as processing happens, but for most documents under 50 pages, it's nearly instantaneous.

AI Classification

CaseFlow's classification engine determines what type of document you've uploaded—complaint, motion, order, notice, evidence file, etc. This classification is based on document structure, language patterns, and jurisdiction-specific terminology. If CaseFlow is unsure, it will flag the document for your review rather than guessing incorrectly.

Key Information Extraction

Beyond classification, CaseFlow extracts structured data: plaintiff and defendant names, case numbers, filing dates, court divisions, attorney information, and more. This extracted data populates your case management dashboard automatically, saving you the manual data entry that typically follows document receipt.

Suggested Next Actions

Based on the document type and content, CaseFlow suggests next steps. For example, if you upload a complaint, it might suggest creating a new case file, assigning it to a specific division, calculating filing deadlines, and generating a docket entry. These are suggestions, not automatic actions—you remain in control of every decision.

Review and Confirm

After processing, review CaseFlow's classification and extracted data. If everything looks correct, confirm and the document is added to your system with all metadata properly tagged. If something is wrong—say, CaseFlow misidentified a motion as an order—you can correct it with a single click. Your corrections help train the AI to be more accurate with similar documents from your jurisdiction in the future.

Quality Tips for Best Results

• Scan Quality: If uploading images, ensure text is legible and not overly compressed Complete

• Documents: Upload entire documents rather than partial pages when possible Consistent

• Naming: Use clear file names (e.g., "Smith_v_Jones_Complaint.pdf") for easier tracking Clean

• PDFs: Avoid password-protected files or heavily redacted documents that obscure text

What If Processing Fails?

Occasionally, a document might fail to process—usually due to file corruption, password protection, or extremely poor scan quality. CaseFlow will notify you immediately with a specific error message. In most cases, re-uploading a clean version resolves the issue. If problems persist, contact support@usecaseflow.ai with the file name and error message.

Privacy and Security

All uploaded documents are encrypted both in transit and at rest. Your documents are stored in isolated, jurisdiction-specific environments—no other CaseFlow user can access your files. Documents are retained according to your account settings and local retention policies.