Can a UDF file carry a virus?

UDF is a document format, not an executable program. Still, it's a good idea to scan any file from an unknown source with your security software before opening it.

Can I open a UDF file with Word?

Word doesn't recognize this format. You need to convert the document to .docx first; after converting, you can open and edit it in Word.

Does the document's formatting break during conversion?

Paragraph layout, margins, and tables are preserved in the conversion. Documents with very complex page layouts may show small differences; in that case, you can try converting the document to PDF to preserve its appearance exactly.

What is UDF? What you need to know about the UYAP document format

UDF is the document format used by the Ministry of Justice for the National Judiciary Informatics System (UYAP). Files with the ".udf" extension are electronic versions of judicial documents such as petitions, expert reports, preliminary review minutes (tensip zaptı), and hearing records.

When a lawyer downloads a document from a case file through UYAP Avukat Portal (the lawyer portal), or a citizen views their case file through e-Devlet (Turkey's e-Government portal), this is usually the format they encounter. Because it differs from common formats such as Word or PDF, the file won't open with a double-click unless a UYAP editor is installed.

To convert right away: select your file and download it in seconds. No sign-up, no software to install.

UDF ↔ Word converter UDF ↔ PDF converter

What's inside a UDF file?

A UDF file is actually a compressed archive. It contains an XML file that defines the document's text, formatting, and page layout; any images added to the document are carried in the same archive.

This structure ensures that the document looks the same on every computer within UYAP and that its integrity is protected by an electronic signature. The same structure is what makes the format hard to open outside UYAP: an ordinary text editor doesn't recognize this XML structure.

The difference between UDF and Word

UDF is specific to the judicial system; Word is a general-purpose office format.
A UDF document is prepared in the UYAP editor and can be uploaded directly to the system; a Word document must be converted before uploading.
UDF is designed to work with electronic signatures and the UYAP workflow.
Word files open on almost any device; UDF requires an editor or a converter.

Which programs open a UDF file?

The primary option is the UYAP editor distributed by the Ministry of Justice. On a computer with the editor installed, the file opens with a double-click and can be edited and saved again.

On a computer or phone without the editor, the most practical option is to convert the document to Word or PDF. The Ara Karar converter does this in your browser, with no software to install.

When do you need to convert?

If you want to read or print a petition on a computer without UYAP installed.
If you need a format everyone can open when sending the document to your client, a court expert, or the opposing party.
If you want to read it quickly on your phone.
If you need to convert a petition you prepared in Word to UDF to upload it to UYAP.

Frequently asked questions

Can a UDF file carry a virus?: UDF is a document format, not an executable program. Still, it's a good idea to scan any file from an unknown source with your security software before opening it.
Can I open a UDF file with Word?: Word doesn't recognize this format. You need to convert the document to .docx first; after converting, you can open and edit it in Word.
Does the document's formatting break during conversion?: Paragraph layout, margins, and tables are preserved in the conversion. Documents with very complex page layouts may show small differences; in that case, you can try converting the document to PDF to preserve its appearance exactly.