How Do I Guides

These topics serve as basic resources to help filers understand the EDGAR system. They are not definitive resources or a substitute for the EDGAR Filer Manual, and filers should consult it before making any filings with EDGAR.

Get started

• Understand EDGAR and its three websites

• Check my browser settings for EDGAR

• Look up a central index key (CIK) number

Apply for EDGAR access

• Understand and utilize EDGAR applicant types

• Prepare and submit my Form ID application

• Applicants with a CIK but no access codes (formerly “Convert Paper Only Filer to Electronic Filer”)

• Create and obtain EDGAR access for asset-backed securities (ABS) issuing entities

• Understand EDGARLink Online Submission Types

• Understand and utilize EDGAR CIKs, passphrases, and access codes

Maintain/update/request changes

• Maintain and update company information

• Obtain and update investment company series and class IDs

• Correct, withdraw, or delete a filing

• Request a filing date adjustment

• Request a continuing hardship exemption

Prepare filing documents

• Observe data and process filing limits

• Create an HTML document

• Prepare an EDGAR filing in plain text

• Prepare, save, and attach an org chart

• Save authenticating document as a PDF file in Adobe Acrobat OR Reader

• Create an XML information table for Form 13F using Excel

• Understand automated conformance rules for EDGAR data fields

• Prepare an Inline XBRL filing fee exhibit

Submit my filing/form

• Know what form I should use

• Attach and submit a filing

• File Form 144 electronically

• Submit online forms

• Submit a correspondence (CORRESP)

• Determine the status of my filing 

• Understand messages reported by EDGAR

• File Schedule 13D, Schedule 13 G, and corresponding amendments

Find EDGAR guidance by

• Filer type

• Division or office

• Form