Add custom properties to a PDF
Your own named fields, travelling inside the document.
Beyond the standard fields, a PDF can carry any property you like: a case number, a client code, a contract reference, a review status, a retention date. Document management systems read them, and so does anyone who opens the document properties. It is a good way to attach the filing information to the document itself rather than to a file name or a spreadsheet that gets separated from it.
How to add custom properties to a PDF
- 1
Open the PDF
Any custom properties it already carries are listed alongside the standard ones.
- 2
Add your own fields
Give each a name and a value, such as Matter number and 2026-0117. Names should be consistent across your documents to be useful.
- 3
Save
Download the PDF with the properties written in. The pages are unchanged.
Why put the reference inside the file
File names get changed, folders get reorganised, and the spreadsheet that mapped documents to case numbers gets lost. A property inside the document survives all three.
Frequently asked questions
Who can see these?+
Anyone who opens the document properties, and any system that indexes PDFs. Do not use them for anything confidential.
Will they survive editing elsewhere?+
Usually, but not always. Some editors rewrite a PDF and drop custom properties. Check after any round trip through other software.
Is there a limit?+
Nothing practical. Keep the names consistent, because a property called Client on some documents and Client_name on others is worse than none.
Is the document uploaded?+
No. It is edited in your browser.