PDF How To: Set the Title

Why do I need to set the document title?

A clear title helps screen reader users hear exactly what your PDF is about as soon as they open it, and lets keyboard users jump straight to the title or document info when navigating. This replaces a confusing filename and gives everyone a quick way to decide if your document is relevant.

A meaningful title is not the filename. For example:

Filename: satire_912.pdf

Title: Satire in Modern Pop Culture

Word

Windows

Select the File menu.
Under Properties, enter the Title.

Macintosh

Select the File menu.
Select Properties.
On the Summary tab, enter the Title.

InDesign

Select the File menu.
Under File info, type in a Title.

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Select File.
Select Properties.
On the Description tab, enter the Title.
Select OK.

Troubleshooting the Title in Acrobat:

If Acrobat is set to read the filename under its Initial View, then the Accessibility Checker will fail the Title check.

Acrobat accessibility checker fails the title check

How to Fix This Issue:

Select File.
Select Properties.
Select the Initial View tab.
Under the Window Options section, in the Show dropdown box, select Document Title (not File Name).
Select OK.

Document Title selected under Show in Acrobat Initial View