Set the title and language of a PDF
The title and language are two of the quickest accessibility fixes. Without a title, screen readers read the file name. Without a language, they may use the wrong pronunciation rules.
Best fix: set them in Word before exporting
- Title: File → Info, then type in the Title field. When saving as PDF, open Options and keep "Document properties" ticked so the title is included.
- Language: select all text, then Review → Language → Set Proofing Language, and choose the language. Then check the PDF's language in Acrobat's document properties, or with the checker on this site.
- Also in Options, keep "Document structure tags for accessibility" ticked.
Fix an existing PDF in Acrobat Pro
Open document properties (Windows: hamburger menu → Document properties; macOS: File → Document properties).
- Title: Description → Title.
- Show the title: Initial View → Show: Document Title.
- Language: Advanced → Reading Options → Language.
Write a useful title
Use a short, specific title that says what the document is, such as "Planning Commission agenda, June 2027", not "Document1" or a file name.
Guides last checked 2026-10-18. General information, not legal advice. Menu names can differ between software versions.