
Document properties
Requirements for 508 compliance
Set the document title attribute in the document properties.
Watch video (1:05 mins)
Does the Title Metadata property match the document title?
To examine the title field
- Open the Document Properties pane: CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + M
- Examine the Title property. Does it match the document's title?
Does the Title Metadata property match the document title?
To examine the title field
- Open the Document Properties panel: On the File Tab, in the Info Sub-Tab, Select Properties, then from the drop-down select Show Document Panel
- Examine the Title property. Does it match the document's title?
Watch video (1:06 mins)
To set the Document Properties:
-
Open the Document Properties ("Metadata") Panel: CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + M.
- Set the Title property to match the document's title.
- Set other relevant attributes and information fields as needed (author, keywords etc.).
Note: If the Document Properties Panel only shows the title field, it is because the document is stored on a server. In this case, open the regular properties from the drop-down menu at the top of the panel. Updating the regular properties will also update the server file once it is saved/uploaded.
To set the Document Properties:
- Open the Document Properties ("Metadata") Panel: On the File Tab, in the Info Sub-Tab, Select Properties, then from the drop-down select Show Document Panel
- The Document Properties Panel Opens
- Set the Title property to match the document's title.
- Set other relevant attributes and information fields as needed (author, keywords etc.).
Note: If the Document Properties Panel only shows the title field, it is because the document is stored on a server. In this case, open the regular properties from the drop-down menu at the top of the panel. Updating the regular properties will also update the server file once it is saved/uploaded.
Set the document title attribute in the document properties.
Correct:
(Select the image to download example file in MS Word format)

Incorrect:
(Select the image to download example file in MS Word format)

Set the document title attribute in the document properties.
File names often contain abstract code that confuses users about the purpose of the document. When a document is first opened, screen readers will convey the title rather than the filename when a document title is set in the document properties. Consider adding other document attributes that can assist users as well (author, keywords, organization, etc.) . Match the text in the title attribute to the full title used in the main body of the document.
Legal References
508 references:
1194.21(d); 1194.31(a); 1194.31(b).
WCAG references:
2.4.2
All Microsoft Word Requirements