> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cottfile.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cottfile.com/filer-guide/working-with-drafts.md).

# Working with Drafts

You do not have to complete a filing in one sitting. The system saves your progress as a draft and lets you come back later.

## How Drafts Are Saved

* **Auto-save** -- Once you have picked a court and case type in the wizard, every click of **Next** automatically saves a draft. If an auto-save fails, a message asks you to use Save Draft to preserve your progress.
* **Save Draft** -- The **Save Draft** button in the wizard's bottom bar saves everything -- court, case type, parties, documents, and fee preferences -- and closes the wizard, returning you to the dashboard.
* Submitting a filing successfully removes its auto-saved draft.

{% hint style="info" %}
Drafts are never visible to clerks.
{% endhint %}

## Finding Your Drafts

Open the **Drafts** tab on the dashboard's My Filings card. The Drafts stat card at the top of the dashboard shows your count and jumps to the tab when clicked.

Each draft card shows:

* The case type name, with a **New Case** or **Existing Case** pill
* The court and case type
* How many parties and documents you have added so far
* **Last updated** date

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Clicking the Drafts tab on the dashboard, showing draft cards with the New Case pill, party and document counts, and last-updated dates.
{% endhint %}

## Resuming a Draft

Click **Resume** on a draft card. The wizard opens with all your saved data loaded, at the first step that still needs work.

## Deleting a Draft

Click the trash icon on a draft card. A **Delete Draft?** dialog confirms: "Are you sure you want to delete this draft? This action cannot be undone. All uploaded documents and party information for this draft will be removed." Choose **Cancel** or **Delete Draft**.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Deleting a draft is permanent. There is no way to recover a deleted draft, its documents, or its party information.
{% endhint %}

## No Drafts Yet?

With no saved drafts, the tab shows: "No drafts -- You have no saved draft filings. Start a new filing and save as draft at any step," with a **File a New Case** button to get started.


---

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