Reports

Last updated: 2026-03-23

Productions can include two supplementary reports: a load file (delimited metadata, one row per document) and a manifest (summary listing of all files). Both are widely used for importing productions into other review platforms and cross-referencing contents.

Load file preview

Sample rows from a production load file showing key metadata columns

Bates BeginBates EndFile NameCustodianDateFile TypePages
PROD000001PROD000004Contract_MSA_2024.pdfJohn Smith2024-06-15PDF4
PROD000005PROD000012Plaintiff_Medical_Records.pdfJane Doe2023-12-03PDF8
PROD000013PROD000013Email_Thread_Discovery.emlRobert Chen2024-03-10Email1
PROD000014PROD000019Expert_Report_Damages.pdfJohn Smith2024-11-05PDF6

Manifest preview

Summary document listing production contents and key statistics

Production Manifest - Production Set 1
Date: March 23, 2026
Case: Smith v. Acme Corp
Total Documents: 4
Total Pages: 19
Bates Range: PROD000001 - PROD000019
Custodians: John Smith, Jane Doe, Robert Chen
1. Contract_MSA_2024.pdf (PROD000001 - PROD000004)
2. Plaintiff_Medical_Records.pdf (PROD000005 - PROD000012)
3. Email_Thread_Discovery.eml (PROD000013)
4. Expert_Report_Damages.pdf (PROD000014 - PROD000019)

What is a production load file

A load file is a delimited metadata file that ships with a production. It has one row per document with columns for key metadata fields. Load files are the standard way to import productions into review platforms, litigation support databases, and document management systems.

Production load file columns and metadata

Hintyr's load file includes the following columns for each document:

  • Bates Begin - The first Bates number assigned to the document.
  • Bates End - The last Bates number assigned to the document (same as Begin for single-page documents).
  • File Name - The original file name of the document.
  • Custodian - The custodian assigned to the document.
  • Date - The document date extracted from metadata.
  • File Type - The document type (PDF, Email, Word, etc.).
  • Pages - The number of pages in the document.

What is a production manifest

A manifest gives you a high-level overview of the production. It includes the production name, date, case name, total document count, total page count, Bates range, and custodian list. Below that summary, it lists every file with its Bates range. Both producing and receiving parties use it as a quick reference to verify what a production contains.

When to include load file and manifest reports

Include the load file when the receiving party needs to import the production into their own review tool. Most formal discovery productions include a load file. Include the manifest when you want a human-readable summary of the production contents for verification or cover-letter purposes. You can enable either or both from the export options.

Frequently asked questions

What format is the load file in?
The load file is a delimited text file that can be opened in spreadsheet applications or imported directly into review platforms.
Does the load file include Bates numbers if I chose Original Documents format?
No. If you export in Original Documents format without Bates numbering, the Bates Begin and Bates End columns will be empty.
Can I customize which columns appear in the load file?
The load file includes a standard set of columns. All columns are always present, but some may be empty if the corresponding data was not available for a given document.
Where are the reports placed in the production archive?
The load file and manifest are placed at the root level of the ZIP archive, alongside the document folders.

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