Best Practices for EDGAR Document Formatting
Please note that when EDGARizing from Microsoft Word (or most other word processing software), the document cannot be made to appear exactly the same as it did in the source word processor. If incorrect Word formatting is used, the document may not convert very well and will take much more time. Here are some points to bear in mind when creating your documents:
Review Documents Carefully
Please review your documents to ensure that they are correct and complete.
Do Not Format in ASCII
Do not attempt to format the document in ASCII - this usually makes conversion more difficult.
Use Standard Margins
Use at least 1" margins on both the top and bottom and left and right sides of your pages whenever possible.
Return Only at Paragraph End
Do not type a return at the end of every line. Type a return only at the end of a paragraph.
Avoid Redundant Tabs
Do not use multiple tabs where one would do - reformat the document to use tabs only where needed - remove all redundant tabs.
Do Not Use Spaces for Indentation
Never use the space bar to indent or position text. Use the tab key to move to a tab point, and use indentation values (paragraph formatting) for paragraph indents.
Use Proper Alignment Tools
Text that is to be centered or flush with the right margin must use the corresponding Word formatting to do so. Never do this by spacing or tabbing. This is true within table cells as well as outside tables.
Keep Headers and Footers Consistent
Please be consistent when formatting a document with headers and/or footers. Do not mix automatic and manual headers and/or footers.
Keep Fonts and Formatting Consistent
Do not continually change fonts and formatting - please be consistent throughout the document. If you cut and paste from another document re-format the pasted information.
Table Formatting Guidelines
Use Word’s Table Function
Create tables using Word’s table function. Do not create tables by tabbing or spacing across the page.
Avoid Spaces and Tabs in Tables
Do not use spaces and tabs within tables.
Use Tables Only When Necessary
Use tables where necessary. Text that is outside of tables should not be formatted as a single-column table.
Avoid Importing Tables
Whenever possible, avoid importing tables from Excel or any other programs.
Keep Related Text Inside the Table
Do not align text outside a table to match up with text inside the table. If text outside the table has to be lined up with text within the table, it is best to incorporate that text inside the table by creating additional rows and using joined (merged) cells if necessary.
EDGAR Knowledge Base Links
- Overview
- Filing Process
- Form ID / EDGAR Registration
- Access / Filing Codes
- Filing Fees
- Formats
- Form 3, Form 4, Form 5
- Form 13F
- Form N-PX
- Form 13H
- Schedules 13D and 13G
- Form 424B2
- Form SD
- Form D
- Form TA
- Form S-1
- Form F-1
- Form DRS
- Form N-CSR
- Form 497
- Regulation A
- Hours and Holidays
- Forms and Templates
- Tips
- Formatting Guidelines
- Tools
- FAQs
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