Rule 204.1.Pleadings and other Legal Papers. Format.
Adopted July 7, 2006 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 204.1 sets the physical format for pleadings, motions, and other legal papers — letter-size white paper, a three-inch space at the top of the first sheet, double spacing, one-inch margins, legible type no smaller than 12 point, and firm binding.
All pleadings, motions and other legal papers must conform to the following requirements:
(1)The document shall be on 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch paper.
(2)The document shall be prepared on white paper (except for dividers and similar sheets) of good quality.
(3)The first sheet shall contain a 3-inch space from the top of the paper for all court stampings, filing notices, etc.
(4)The text must be double spaced, but quotations more than two lines long may be indented and single spaced. Margins must be at least one inch on all four sides.
(5)The lettering shall be clear and legible and no smaller than point 12. The lettering shall be on only one side of a page, except that exhibits and similar supporting documents may be lettered on both sides of a page.
This rule standardizes what a filed paper looks like. Documents go on 8½-by-11-inch white paper of good quality, printed on one side in clear type no smaller than 12 point.
A few specifics make filings usable by the court. The first page leaves a three-inch space at the top for stamps and filing notices. The text is double spaced, with at least one-inch margins on every side; long quotations may be indented and single spaced. Papers must be firmly bound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic formatting requirements for a court filing?
Letter-size white paper, one-sided except for exhibits and similar supporting documents, type no smaller than 12 point, double spacing, one-inch margins on all sides, a three-inch space at the top of the first page for court stampings, and firm binding.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 204.1 adopted July 7, 2006, effective February 1, 2007, 36 Pa.B. 3807.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:format of papersdocument formatpaper sizemarginsfont size