To change document properties in Word, click File > Info. The Properties panel on the right lets you click fields such as Title, Tags and Comments and type new values. Click Show All Properties for more fields, or use Properties > Advanced Properties for the Summary and Custom tabs. To change the Author, right-click the name and choose Edit Property, or remove it. To strip personal details before sharing, use Check for Issues > Inspect Document.
Quick Answer
File > Info > click a property to edit it. Show All Properties or Advanced Properties for more.
Steps to Edit Properties
- Open the document and click File > Info.
- In Properties, click a field like Title or Tags and type.
- Click Show All Properties to reveal Subject, Company, Manager and more.
- For custom fields, click Properties > Advanced Properties > Custom.
- Save the document.
Common Property Tasks
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Change Author | Right-click the name > Edit Property, or Remove Person |
| Set the default author for new files | File > Options > General > User name |
| Add custom properties | Advanced Properties > Custom |
| Remove personal info | Check for Issues > Inspect Document > Remove All |
| Show a property in the text | Insert > Quick Parts > Document Property |
Show Properties Inside the Document
Properties are most useful when they appear in the document itself, for example a title on the cover page or a version number in the footer. Click where you want it, then go to Insert, Quick Parts, Document Property and choose Title, Author, Company or another property. Word inserts a linked box: change the property in File, Info and the text updates, and edit the text in the box and the property updates too. This keeps cover pages, headers and file details consistent.
Create Custom Properties
For tracking documents, custom properties work like labels. Open File, Info, Properties, Advanced Properties and select the Custom tab. Pick a suggested name such as Project or Status, or type your own, choose a type (Text, Date, Number or Yes or No), enter a value and click Add. You can show a custom property in the document with Insert, Quick Parts, Field, choosing DocProperty and the property name. Teams often use this for client names, version numbers or approval status.
Edit Properties From File Explorer
You can change some properties without opening Word. In File Explorer, right-click the document, choose Properties and open the Details tab. Click a value such as Title, Tags or Authors and type a new one, then click OK. The Remove Properties and Personal Information link at the bottom of the tab can strip details from one or many selected files at once, which is handy before sending a batch of documents outside your organisation.
Troubleshooting
- Fields are greyed out: The file may be read-only or opened in Protected View. Click Enable Editing.
- Author changes back: Change the User name in Word Options for future documents.
- Author details: See changing the author in Word and removing the author.
Related: Copy formatting in Word with Format Painter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit properties without opening Word?
Some can be edited in File Explorer: right-click the file > Properties > Details.
Why can’t I change the Created date?
Word sets dates automatically, so they aren’t editable in the Info panel.
Does this work on a Mac?
Yes, via File > Properties in Word for Mac.
Summary
- File > Info.
- Click a property to edit.
- Use Show All or Advanced Properties for more.
- Inspect Document before sharing.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.