What is a native file?

A native file is one that exists in the exact same state as it was when uploaded to GoldFynch. So if a Microsoft Word file was uploaded, a native version included in your production would be an identical Microsoft Word document. If any of the following processes have been performed on a file, it means that they are not native anymore:
  • Redaction
  • Bates or Tag stamping
  • Conversion into the PDF format (as one page per PDF, one document per PDF, or as a single PDF file)

On the off-chance that the file's format is unsupported by GoldFynch, you will still be able to download it and use the relevant software to open it since it will be the same file that was uploaded.


NOTE: You can learn more about the production process in general from here.


Producing documents as native files

During Step 3 of the production process (Production Output) you will be able to choose the file format that you want to export the files in. On this screen, if you select any of the 'Native' options, all files will be produced in their original format. The available options under the non-load file and load file options are  -

  • Non-load file option
    • Native files only 
  • Load file option
    • Native files without any imaging options
    • TIFF G4 - All documents in the production will be produced both as native files and single page black & white TIFFs along with load files
    • JPEG - All documents in the production will be produced both as native files and single page color JPEFs along with load files
    • PDF - Similar to the previous option all documents will be produced as multi-page PDFs and native files along with load files.
      Choose the all natives option for productions with load files

NOTE: Even if you choose a non-native production format you can still force specific files types (e.g. PDF, .txt files, etc.) to be produced in their native format in the next step (Step 4. Native files options for production)


For other production you can specify files that you want to produce as natives

In the final step of production (Step 10. Final Review and Submit production) GoldFynch will flag issues with files that are being produced as natives for the following reasons - 

  • Files that have redactions - In this case, the file will be produced as image-only
  • Files that have descendants with redactions - here also the file will be produced as image-only
  • Files with privilege tag being produced as native 
  • Files with descendants with privilege tags being produced as natives


Additionally, files that are being produced as image-only because the native files are unavailable will also be flagged. This situation can arise if the files were a part of a load file production that was imported into GoldFynch without including the natives.

You can view these files by clicking on the list icon against each category. You can exclude also the files from the production by clicking on the exclude icon


Review the native file warnings and errors before submitting your production

Learn more about the checks that are executed in Step 10 of the production wizard


Uploading native files to GoldFynch

When you are uploading files to GoldFynch, it is preferable that you upload them in a native, or as near-to-native format as possible. To find out more about preferred file formats for importing to GoldFynch, click here.