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File Naming Standards and Preparing PDFs for Single PDF Process

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Breadcrumb: File Naming Standards and Preparing PDFs for Single PDF Process

Source: File Naming Standards and Preparing PDFs for Single PDF Process ↗ Last modified: Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:02:34 GMT

Please follow these guidelines when uploading and naming files to ensure your submittal is processed efficiently. All drawings must be uploaded in a single PDF file in landscape view. The application, calculations, and other non-plan documents required for your permit application must still be uploaded as their own PDFs separate from the drawings.

File Naming Standards for Single PDF

  • Name your documents simply, with straightforward titles (see examples below).
    • City of Portland generated documents should be named the title of the document.
    • Documents downloaded and saved from Portland.Gov or PortlandOregon.Gov have auto-generated naming and are okay to submit; there is no need to rename the files.
    • Note: Do not include permit numbers, addresses, or any other identifiers in the document name.
  • Filenames must be fewer than 50 characters long.
  • Please name Calculation Packets as either Supplemental or Replacement.
    • Note: Supplemental Calculation Packets provide relevant information in addition to the original Calculation Packet. Replacement Calculation Packets provide new information in replacement of the original calculation packet.
  • Warning! Do not create files with protected digital signatures or send certified PDFs.
  • Do not send digitally signed, permissions-protected, or certified PDFs. If your drawings include this, simply "Print to PDF" or re-save to "Reduced Size PDF".

For the complete File Preparation requirements please refer to the Applicant Single PDF Process Step and User Guide.

Applicant Single PDF Process Step and User Guide ↗

Examples

Below are two examples to use as a guide when naming your files.

Examples of acceptable file naming standards for the Single PDF Process.

Preparing PDFs for the Single PDF Process

PDF Requirements

  • Drawings must all be in 1 PDF in landscape view.
  • Plans must be drawn to scale.
  • Include a reference scale/scale bar on all drawings.
  • Leave space for the PP&D stamp in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the drawings.
  • Supporting documents (calculations, reports, and other non-drawing files) should be searchable PDFs.
  • Disable font embedding when creating the PDF.
  • Scanned documents: 150 dpi/ppi; disable OCR Text Recognition.
  • When applicable, stamp files with signature per ORS and OAR*.
  • Send only unsecured, uncertified PDFs*.
  • Do not submit electronic signatures*.

*See the Fixing PDFs section below.