A slip sheet is a placeholder page that stands in a production for a document that is not produced, usually stating why, such as “withheld as privileged” or “file could not be processed,” and usually carrying a Bates number so the range has no unexplained gap. BatesBind adds slip sheets automatically for PDFs it cannot read, such as password-protected files: each gets a one-page placeholder with the reason and one number. For documents withheld for privilege, BatesBind has no privilege feature, so you add your own one-page placeholder PDF to the folder and it is numbered in order like any other file.
Slip sheets are a small thing that saves a lot of explaining. A gap in a Bates range invites the question “what was here?”
Keep the Bates range continuous, with a slip sheet where a file could not be produced.
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What exactly is a slip sheet?
Latham and Watkins’ eDiscovery Book of Jargon defines a slip sheet as a placeholder for a document that is not produced, and says it typically identifies the reason the document is not within the production, giving “withheld as Privileged” as an example. Checked on 17 October 2026.
In practice, slip sheets appear in three situations:
| Situation | Typical slip sheet text | Why it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Privilege or work product | Document withheld as privileged | Shows where a withheld document sat in the order, cross-referenced to the privilege log |
| Native-only files | Document produced in native format | Spreadsheets or media produced as native files, with the slip sheet in the image or PDF set |
| Technical problem | File could not be processed, or password protected | An unreadable or encrypted file that could not be converted |
Whether and how to use slip sheets is often set by the ESI protocol or agreement in your matter. Check it first.
How does a slip sheet relate to a privilege log?
They do different jobs. Under the US Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 26(b)(5)(A) says a party withholding information as privileged must expressly make the claim and describe the nature of what is withheld in a way that lets other parties assess the claim without revealing the privileged information. That description is usually a privilege log. Checked on 17 October 2026.
A slip sheet does not replace the log. It marks the spot in the production, and its Bates number lets the log point to it. State courts and other jurisdictions have their own rules.
Should a slip sheet take a Bates number?
Usually, yes. A slip sheet with a number keeps the range continuous, and the number is what a privilege log or a cover letter refers to. A production from ACME000001 to ACME000500 with a slip sheet at ACME000231 reads cleanly. The same production with ACME000231 simply missing raises questions. Follow your protocol if it says otherwise.
How does BatesBind handle slip sheets?
BatesBind numbers a folder of PDFs in one continuous range and writes the index as PDF and CSV.
- Open the folder. BatesBind lists every PDF in natural order with its page count and Bates range. A file that cannot be read is named with the reason, such as “The file is password protected”.
- Choose what happens to unreadable files. By default they are listed with the reason and left out of the range, so numbering stays continuous across the rest. Turn on slip sheets and each gets a one-page placeholder with the reason and one number instead, so the range has no hole.
- Check the table. Every file shows the range it will get.
- Export. The CSV index adds a note for slip sheets, along with each file’s range, output name and SHA-256 hash.
Slip sheets and the index are printed on Letter-size pages.
Turn on slip sheets in BatesBind during the 15-day free trial and see how the index records them.
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How do I add a slip sheet for a privileged document?
BatesBind’s automatic slip sheets are for files it cannot read. It does not track privilege. For a withheld document, make the placeholder yourself:
- Create a one-page PDF with the text your protocol calls for, such as “Document withheld as privileged.” A word processor’s Save as PDF is enough.
- Name it so it sorts in the right place. BatesBind lists files in natural order, so give the placeholder a name that sits where the withheld document sat, such as 0231 Slip sheet.pdf between 0230 and 0232. You can also drag a row or use Move up and Move down.
- Remove the privileged document from the production folder.
- Number the folder. The placeholder gets one Bates number like any one-page file.
- Record it in the privilege log with that Bates number.
Keep privileged originals out of the production folder entirely. A slip sheet is only as safe as the folder it is made from.
What will BatesBind not do?
- No privilege coding or privilege log. It numbers PDFs and writes an index of ranges.
- No OCR or redaction. Redact before numbering, with a tool built for it.
- No TIFF or load files. Output is PDF and CSV only. Productions that need image sets and load files call for an e-discovery platform.
- No legal judgment. BatesBind makes no claim about what a court, an ESI or protective order, or opposing counsel will accept. This is not legal advice.
When is an e-discovery platform the better choice?
If you review thousands of documents, code privilege, need native files with slip sheets in an image set, or produce with load files, a review platform handles it in one place. BatesBind suits smaller productions of PDFs where the numbering, legend and log are the job. See our page on Bates numbering software.
Frequently asked questions
Is a slip sheet required?
It depends on the agreement or order in your matter. ESI protocols often address slip sheets for withheld or native documents. Check yours.
What should a slip sheet say?
Usually a short reason, such as withheld as privileged, produced in native format, or could not be processed, plus the Bates number. Follow any wording your protocol specifies.
Does BatesBind make slip sheets for privileged documents?
Not automatically. Its slip sheets are for files it cannot read, such as password-protected PDFs. For privileged documents, add your own one-page placeholder PDF and BatesBind numbers it in order.
Does a slip sheet show in the BatesBind index?
Yes. The CSV index adds a note for slip sheets, alongside the file’s range.
What size are BatesBind’s slip sheets?
The index and slip sheets are printed on Letter-size pages.
Try BatesBind
BatesBind is a one-time purchase in the Microsoft Store, with a 15-day free trial. Number a test folder with an unreadable file and a placeholder, and read the index. For more, see Bates production log, confidential stamp on PDF, or the BatesBind product page.
A continuous range, with every placeholder accounted for.
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Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Other names are trademarks of their owners. BatesBind is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Last updated 17 October 2026. Published by Automata Labs, a software company in Canada.