How to Edit PDF Title

A PDF file’s title is more than just a name—it’s a key piece of metadata that helps identify and organize your content. Whether you’re a business professional sharing reports with clients or a team member managing project files, knowing how to edit a PDF title can streamline your workflow.

This article walks you through the process using built-in software on Mac and Windows, as well as the versatile online platform pdfFiller. Each method is simple, effective, and accessible with tools you likely already have or can easily access.

Why Edit a PDF Title?

The document title in a PDF’s metadata is what appears in the title bar of readers like Adobe Reader—not the file name you see in your folder. This distinction matters. An accurate title ensures your PDF document is easily searchable and recognizable, especially in professional settings where document properties can impact efficiency. Let’s dive into how you can change the title using different approaches.

How to Change the PDF Document Title on Mac

Mac users have a powerful built-in tool at their fingertips: Preview. This application not only lets you view PDFs but also edit their metadata, including the title field, without any additional software. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the PDF File: Locate your PDF in Finder and double-click it to launch in Preview. If it opens in another app, right-click, select “Open With,” and choose Preview.
   
2. Access Document Properties: Press Command + I, or go to the “Tools” menu and select “Show Inspector.” A sidebar will appear with several tabs.
   
3. Edit the Title: Click the “General” tab (often shown as an “i” icon). You’ll see fields for Title, Author, Subject, and Keywords. In the “Title” field, type your new title.
   
4. Save Your Changes: Close the Inspector when you’re done. Preview saves the updated metadata automatically.
   

This method is quick and straightforward. It ensures the actual PDF file reflects the correct document title, making it ideal for Mac users who want to update their PDF metadata efficiently.

Editing PDF Metadata in Windows Using Microsoft Word

Windows doesn’t offer a direct equivalent to Preview for editing PDF titles, but Microsoft Word—a widely available built-in application—can get the job done. While it involves converting the file, it’s a practical solution for many users. Follow these steps:

1. Open the PDF in MS Word: Launch Microsoft Word, then go to “File” > “Open.” Select your PDF file. Word will convert it into a word document, which might take a moment.
   
2. View Document Properties: Once the file is open, click “File” > “Info.” On the right, you’ll see the properties section, including the “Title” field.
   
3. Change the Title: Click the “Title” field and enter your desired title. This updates the document metadata.
   
4. Export as PDF: Go to “File” > “Save As,” choose a location, and select “PDF” from the format dropdown. Click “Save” to create a new PDF with the updated title.
   

A word of caution: converting a PDF to a Word file and back might affect formatting, especially for complex documents with images or layouts. For simpler files, though, this method works well using tools already on your Windows system.

Using pdfFiller to Edit PDF Titles

For a seamless and robust solution, pdfFiller stands out as a top choice. This cloud-based platform is designed for document management, offering features like metadata editing, form filling, and electronic signatures—all accessible from your browser. Here’s how to edit a PDF title with pdfFiller:

1. Log In or Sign Up: Visit the pdfFiller website and log in to your account. New users can sign up quickly to get started.
   
2. Upload Your PDF: Click “Add New Document” and select your PDF file to upload it to the platform.
   
3. Access Metadata: Open the PDF in the editor. Look for a “Document” or “Properties” option in the menu bar—typically found on the left or top. Click it to view the document information dictionary.
   
4. Update the Title Field: In the metadata section, find the “Title” field. Enter your new title, and feel free to add keywords or update the subject if needed.
   
5. Save the Changes: Click “Save” or “Apply” to update the PDF. You can then download it or keep it stored in pdfFiller for further use.
   

What sets pdfFiller apart is its versatility. Beyond editing the title, you can modify the author, add keywords for searchability, or even annotate the PDF—all without installing software like Adobe Acrobat Pro. It’s a comprehensive tool for users who need more than just basic edits.

Final Thoughts

Editing a PDF title is a small tweak with a big impact. On Mac, Preview offers a fast, built-in way to update the title field. Windows users can rely on Microsoft Word, though they should watch for formatting shifts during conversion. For a direct, feature-rich approach, pdfFiller simplifies the process and adds value with its suite of tools. Each method suits different needs, but pdfFiller shines for those managing PDFs regularly.

Ready to take control of your documents? Start your free trial with pdfFiller today and explore how it can streamline your document management tasks.

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