Skip to central content
Pastel, a guide dog for the blind, with post it note showing how to videos, manual tests, automated tests, and example files Pastel, a guide dog for the blind, with post it note showing manual tests, automated tests, and example files

MICROSOFT WORD 2010
508 ACCESSIBILITY CHECKLIST

Test checklist | 508 accessibility overview | Top Tips | Using the checklist:  VOD  EWDUsing the checklist | FAQ | Index
Print checklistEmail checklist
Icon depicting document properties

Document properties

Show all | Hide all


Requirements for 508 compliance

Set the document title attribute in the document properties.


How to test

Watch video (1:05 mins)

Video On Demand buttonVideo On Demand button - EWD version

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?

How to fix

Watch video (1:06 mins)

Video On Demand buttonVideo On Demand button - EWD version

To set the Document Properties:

  • Open the Document Properties ("Metadata") Panel: CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + M.
    The document properties panel has a blank title field, and the author's name is in code. The other fields are blank.
  • Set the Title property to match the document's title.
    The document properties panel has the title field matching the documnet title, and not the document file name. The author's name and the other relevant fields are filled in.
  • 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.
    The document properties 'server' panel shows only a blank title field. The drop-down menu is opened and the regular Document Properties button is selected.

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
    Selecting the Properties Panel from the File Info sub-tab.

  • The Document Properties Panel Opens
    The document properties panel has a blank title field, and the author's name is in code. The other fields are blank.

  • Set the Title property to match the document's title.
    The document properties panel has the title field matching the documnet title, and not the document file name. The author's name and the other relevant fields are filled in.
  • 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.

    The document properties 'server' panel shows only a blank title field. The drop-down menu is opened and the regular Document Properties button is selected.

Examples

Set the document title attribute in the document properties.

Correct:

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


A graphic showing how to assign document properties in Microsoft Word

Incorrect:

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


A graphic showing a Microsoft Word document with emply document properties
Rationale

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


Need More Help?

Review FAQs
Review answers to commonly asked questions.

Get assistance by email
Send your questions or comment by email.

Communicator assistance
(online chat)
Contact a 508 Word Accessibility specialist through Office Communicator.

More resources
See the Accessibility Resource Center for more information on electronic document accessibility.

Get updates
Get email updates on changes to Section 508 technical guidance, procedures, tools and resources.