How to Change Project Title in MS Project: Step-by-Step Guide for Quick Updates

To change your project title in MS Project, you don’t need to start from scratch—just a few clicks transform that outdated placeholder into something meaningful. ✨ I’ve spent hours watching colleagues manually recreate entire projects just because they missed this simple update, and it’s a waste of time.

The process takes under 30 seconds once you know where to look, and it saves you from recreating timelines or resource assignments.

Here’s the thing—MS Project hides the title change behind a counterintuitive menu path. Most users assume it’s buried in the "Project Information" dialog, but it’s actually tucked away in the "Properties" window.

I’ve seen even experienced project managers overlook this, so don’t feel bad if it takes you a second to find. Once you locate it, the actual edit is shockingly straightforward: just type, press Enter, and your entire project file updates instantly.

You’ll end up with a title that matches your actual deliverables, not some placeholder from last month’s brainstorm. This small change makes sharing files with stakeholders feel professional, keeps your own sanity intact when reviewing old projects, and ensures your reports pull the correct header data.

It’s one of those tiny fixes that makes a big difference in how organized your work looks.

Works for any version of MS Project from 2010 onward, whether you’re managing a simple event timeline or a complex enterprise portfolio. The steps stay identical across all versions, so this trick will save you time no matter what flavor of Project you’re using. Let’s get that title updated.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for updating your MS project title

Here's the quickest way to refresh your project name without losing progress.

Launch Microsoft Project and open the file you want to update. I always double-check the filename in the title bar to confirm I’ve got the right project before making changes—saves headaches later if you accidentally edit the wrong file.

If the project was recently saved, it’ll open to the last active view. If not, you’ll see the default Gantt Chart view. Either works fine for this update. The key is having the file fully loaded before proceeding.

Click the File tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon. This opens the backstage view where all project properties live. In the left-hand menu, select Info—this is where you’ll find everything from project title to status and properties.

Here's the thing—some users get confused between Info and Properties, but Info is the right spot for quick title changes. If you see a Project Information panel on the right, you’re in the right place. If not, click Edit Project Information to reveal the fields.

In the Project Information panel, locate the Project title field. It’s usually near the top, right under the project name display. Click inside the field to highlight the existing text, then type your new title. I promise, this is the fastest part—just replace what’s there.

If you’re working with a template or shared project, you might see a warning about overwriting default values. Ignore it for now—we’re just updating the title, not structural elements. Once you’re happy with the new name, click Save in the top-left corner.

Close the Project Information panel and return to your project view. The title bar at the top of the window should now reflect your changes. To double-check, go back to File > Info and confirm the updated title appears there too.

Save the file again by pressing Ctrl + S or clicking Save in the ribbon. This ensures your changes persist. If you’re working in a shared environment, you might need to check in the file or publish updates, but for most users, this step is all you need.

Tips & tricks for quick project title updates in MS project

Here's what I've learned to make this process even faster and smoother for you.

Double-Check Before You Start: Before diving into Step 1, take 10 seconds to verify you're editing the correct project file. I've seen too many users accidentally update the wrong project because they didn't confirm the filename in the title bar. This simple check saves hours of frustration later. Trust me on this—it's worth the extra moment.

Keyboard Shortcut for Speed: Once you're in Step 3, use Alt + F to quickly access the File tab, then I for Info. This shaves off about 15 seconds from the process compared to clicking through menus. I've timed it myself—every second counts when you're updating multiple projects!

Title Field Location Tip: If you can't find the Project title field in Step 3, try pressing Ctrl + F and typing "title" in the search box. This instantly jumps you to the right location. Some versions of MS Project hide this field behind additional clicks, and this shortcut always works for me.

Backup Before Saving: Before you hit Save in Step 4, create a quick backup by pressing Ctrl + Shift + S (Save As). Name it with a timestamp like "ProjectNameBackup20240515". This takes 30 seconds but gives you peace of mind—especially if you're working on complex projects.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about updating your project title in Microsoft Project? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries—and answers—to help you navigate this process smoothly.

Wrapping up and next steps

Changing your project title in Microsoft Project is a simple yet powerful way to keep your work organized and aligned with your goals. Whether you’re renaming a milestone, updating a task, or refreshing your entire project view, these steps ensure clarity and efficiency.

Now that you’ve mastered the process, put your newfound skills to work—update your project title today and take control of your workflow with confidence! 🚀

For even more productivity tips, explore how to customize your MS Project dashboard or dive into advanced project management features.