How to Edit PDF Title, Author and Subject Metadata
Document properties can help identify a PDF in viewers and file-management workflows. PDFSwan Edit PDF details lets you update the standard Title, Author, and Subject fields without rewriting the visible page content.
Open Edit PDF details ↗When to use Edit PDF details
Use this tool when the document properties contain an old title or need clearer attribution. Metadata is different from a printed title on page 1, the download filename, and a web page’s SEO title. Updating one does not automatically update the others.
Step-by-step instructions
Load the source file
Open the Edit PDF details workspace using the button above. Choose the source file from your device or drag it into the drop area. Wait for preparation to finish and check the displayed filename. Work from a copy you can retain for comparison, and clear the workspace if you selected the wrong source.
Review the existing details
After loading the PDF, Title, Author, and Subject are populated from the document when available. Check each value rather than assuming that the source properties are accurate.
Enter the new properties
Use a clear Title, appropriate Author, and concise Subject. Choose File name separately if the downloaded filename should also change. Then select Create PDF.
Download and verify the result
After processing finishes, select Download PDF. Save the new file before closing the tab or creating another result. Open the actual download in a compatible application and compare it with the source. Check the content and format you need rather than relying only on the success message.
A practical example
A report file named final-v7.pdf may still have a generic document title such as Untitled. Set Title to the report’s actual name, Author to the correct organization, and Subject to a short description. Download it with a useful filename and check the properties in a PDF viewer.
Tips for a better result
Keep visible and hidden information consistent
Changing the Author field does not alter names printed on a page. If the content contains old attribution, edit the source or use a suitable content-editing workflow as well.
Check the viewer’s property panel
Some viewers show a metadata title in the tab; others show the filename. Use the document-properties panel to verify the saved fields directly rather than relying only on the tab caption.
Troubleshooting
Why did the cover title stay the same?
The tool edits document properties, not the text printed on the page.
Why did the file keep a different filename?
File name is a separate workspace field. Set it before creating the download if you want it to match the title.
File limits, privacy and keeping your originals
PDFSwan processes document bytes locally in your browser without a document upload. The task limits are 50 MB total input, 60 files, and 300 PDF pages. Actual performance depends on your device and browser memory. Encrypted PDFs are rejected; choose an unlocked copy you are authorized to edit. Keep your originals, because page operations and edits may change bookmarks, forms, links, annotations, and existing digital signatures.
The home page includes Google Analytics and DeanonX site-tracking scripts. Local document processing does not mean the website has no third-party tracking. Download the result before closing the tab, and use Clear workspace to remove files from the active workspace when finished.
Frequently asked questions
Can I edit keywords here?
The current editing controls expose Title, Author, and Subject.
Does changing metadata improve website ranking automatically?
No. These are PDF document properties, not a substitute for useful web content, crawlable pages, and accurate page metadata.
Ready to try it?
Follow the steps with a copy of your document, then check the downloaded result before sharing it.
Use Edit PDF details ↗