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Legal Document Ops

Why is it critical to preserve original files when stamping PDFs for a case?

The reasons your source documents should never be altered in place.

Why is it critical to preserve original files when stamping PDFs for a case?
Photo: Unknown via Openverse

Originals are evidence

The unaltered source documents may themselves be evidence, and changing them can raise questions about integrity. Preservation protects their value.

You never want a stamp to become an issue in itself.

Room to redo

If a numbering scheme changes, having pristine originals lets you re-stamp cleanly. Overwriting the source removes that option.

Keeping originals is your safety net for do-overs.

Separate stamped copies

The right approach writes stamped copies and leaves the originals untouched. You end up with both versions clearly separated.

That separation keeps your workflow reversible.

Organized storage

Storing originals and stamped sets in distinct, well-labeled folders prevents mix-ups. Clarity here saves confusion later.

A tidy structure is easy to hand off to a colleague.

Key takeaways
  • Original files may themselves be evidence
  • Pristine originals let you re-stamp if a scheme changes
  • Always write stamped copies rather than overwriting
  • Keep originals and stamped sets in separate folders
Julien Jimenez
Written by

Julien Jimenez

Julien Jimenez is an independent software builder based in Paris. He designs, ships, and operates focused SaaS products for small businesses and independent professionals. Read the full author page.

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