Document Properties

Please note: these resources are specific to Texas Tech's electronic thesis and dissertation (ETD) accessibility requirements

To pass the thesis/dissertation accessibility check, your final PDF document must include document properties. Document properties allow the author to enter information about the title, author, subject, keywords and language of the document. This allows screen readers to navigate content, ensuring documents are accessible to all users.

Key document properties that must be set for the thesis/dissertation accessibility check are: Title, Author and Language. Others that could be set for good accessibility practice are Subject and Keywords.

If you prefer video instructions, you can find them here.

To change document properties in Microsoft Word

Note: viewing or changing document properties isn't currently possible in Word for the web. You can, however, view or change properties in the Word desktop app.

1. Select the File tab
2. Select Info
3. Select the Properties button on the right hand side
4. Select Advanced Properties 
5. This will bring up a pop-up window where on the Summary tab you can add:
   1. Title – e.g. “The Evolution and Impact of Professional Wrestling”
   2. Subject – a description as to what this document is, e.g. “a timeline of important events for wrestling”
   3. Author – this will default to whoever owns the Microsoft word account, but you can change it to your name if that is not the same thing
   4. Keywords – you can add some important keywords, e.g. wrestling, history, accessibility
   5. Select OK to save changes
6. To set the language of your document:
   1. On the Word desktop app:
      1. Select the Review tab
      2. Select Language
      3. Select Language on the pull-down menu
      4. Select Set proofing language
      5.  Select the language you are writing in
   2. On Word for the web:
      1. Select the Review tab
      2. Select the arrow below Editor in the Proofing group
      3. Select Set proofing language
      4. Select the language you are writing in

 

For more information visit Texas Tech's Digital Accessibility Website for trainings and resources, or schedule an appointment at the Graduate Writing Center.

Part of the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Accessibility Resource for Microsoft Word  series compiled by Allison Belisle, Graduate School, and Rebecca Bruning and Caroline Hetherington, Graduate Writing Center, a unit of Academic Innovation and Student Success, under the Office of the Provost.