When a student opens a course document, the very first thing they need to know is if they are in the right place. Adding a descriptive title to your PDF gives it an official name that computers, search engines, and screen readers can recognize instantly.

Check out the quick guide below to learn how to name your documents correctly!

What is a “Document Title”?

• What This Means: The document doesn’t have a descriptive title in its metadata, which can make it harder for people—especially those using screen readers—to understand what the file is for.
• Why This Matters: A descriptive title helps people quickly know what the document is and gives the reader context. It also helps screen readers and supports people with cognitive disabilities, limited short-term memory, and reading disabilities.

💡 Pro-Tip for Content Creators: You can set the document title before you ever make the PDF! In Microsoft Word, go to File > Info, type a clear name into the Title box on the right, and then export your document. The title will automatically carry over to your new PDF!