Get and insert the created time and last modified time in cells
In Microsoft Excel, it’s often helpful to review and manage metadata such as when a workbook was created or most recently updated. This information can support data auditing, version tracking, compliance documentation, and workflow collaboration. For example, teams that share files may need to monitor updates, while individuals can reference creation dates for periodic reports. Excel does not display these timestamps in worksheets by default, but you can access, copy, or insert this information into cells, headers, or footers using several practical methods. This article will introduce step-by-step approaches to view and add the created time and last modified time of your current workbook—enhancing clarity and organization in your files.
Get the created time and last modified time in Excel with Info command
Insert the created time and last modified time in cells/header/footer with Kutools for Excel 
Get the created time and last modified time in Excel with Advanced Properties function
Insert the created time and last modified time in cells in Excel with VBA code
Get the created time and last modified time in Excel with Info command
Excel allows users to check the precise creation and last modification times of a workbook through its backstage view, available in Microsoft Excel 2010 and 2013. This method is especially useful in routine file management and when quick manual verification is needed without inserting values into the worksheet.
To access this information, click File > Info. On the right side of the backstage view, you will find a section named Related Dates. Here, you can view three types of time-related metadata: last modified time, created time, and last printed time. Please refer to the illustration below:
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Note: This procedure only works in Microsoft Excel 2010 and 2013, as earlier versions like Excel 2007 do not offer this specific display. It does not insert time information into worksheet cells; instead, it is for viewing only. If you need to use this information in formulas or for reporting directly in your sheet, consider one of the alternative methods below.
One limitation of this approach is that it does not support Excel Online or versions later than Excel 2013, where the interface may also vary. For best results, ensure that any shared files remain on a local drive—network files or files copied across drives may not always retain original timestamps.
Insert the created time and last modified time in cells/header/footer with Kutools for Excel
If you need to insert time-related workbook information directly into worksheets or printouts, consider utilizing Kutools for Excel. Kutools offers convenient functions, such as Insert Workbook Information, which let you add metadata (including file path, workbook or worksheet name, current user, as well as creation and last modification times) into specific cells, headers, or footers. This is especially helpful for version tracking, documentation, or preparing templates and reports that require dynamically updating file information.
After freely installing Kutools for Excel, follow these simple steps for inserting relevant information:
1. Click on Kutools Plus in the Ribbon, then select Workbook and click Insert Workbook Information. See screenshot:
2. In the Insert Workbook Information dialog box, choose exactly which pieces of information you want to insert—for instance, created time, last modified time, or others—from the Information section. Then, select where to place this information: into worksheet cells, or into the header or footer (with left, center, right placement options for both). See screenshot:
3. Click Ok. The selected information will be inserted at the specified location immediately.
When using this function, please note that if you insert the date/time into cells, those cells will update if you refresh Kutools or when the workbook is saved or modified. For static entries (not dynamic updates), consider copying and pasting the value as text after insertion. Additionally, ensure the worksheet is not protected, as protected sheets may prevent automatic insertion into cells, headers, or footers.
One advantage of Kutools is its intuitive graphical interface, which minimizes the risk of errors and speeds up workflow. However, if your organization restricts third-party add-ins or if you need this information without add-ins in shared settings, one of the native Excel or scripting solutions below may be more suitable.
Get the created time and last modified time in Excel with Advanced Properties function
Excel’s Advanced Properties dialog provides an alternative way to view a workbook's time information—both creation and last modification dates. This solution is useful for situations where direct worksheet insertion is not needed, but you still need access to file history details for manual copying or documentation. It works across multiple Excel versions, including Excel 2007,2010, 2013 and later versions.
To use this feature, do the following:
For Excel 2007: Click the Office button > Prepare > Properties. A Document Properties bar will appear below the ribbon. Next, expand the property list by clicking Document Properties at the top, then select Advanced Properties from the dropdown. The screenshots below illustrate these steps:
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For Excel 2010/2013 and later versions: Click File > Info > Properties (usually displayed at the right corner of the Info page) > Advanced Properties.
In the Advanced Properties dialog box, switch to the Statistics tab. Here, you will find details including the file's created date, last saved (modified) date, last access time, and printing history. See the following screenshot for reference:
This method is straightforward but manual—you need to copy and paste or type the dates into your worksheet if you wish to use them in calculations or display. Be aware that accessing these properties requires that the file is stored locally; for files stored on SharePoint or certain network locations, some date information might not be available or may reflect sync times rather than true creation/modification dates.
Insert the created time and last modified time in cells in Excel with VBA code
For users who want to insert the created or last modified time directly into worksheet cells and prefer an automated, customized approach, Excel’s VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) environment is effective. Macros give you greater flexibility, such as automatically updating dates in response to file changes, or populating timestamps across multiple workbook areas for logging or documentation. For organizations with specific reporting formats, macros allow complete control over layout and content.
Below are step-by-step instructions and sample codes for inserting created or last modified times using VBA. These scripts are particularly helpful if native Excel functions or add-ins are not available, and they can be easily adapted for batch file processing or advanced reporting needs.
Insert both created time and last modified time in Excel
To write both timestamps to cells, do the following:
1. Hold down the ALT + F11 keys to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.
2. Click Insert > Module, and paste the macro code provided below into the module window.
VBA code: Insert both created time and last modified time in Excel
Sub Workbook_Open()
Range("A1").Value = Format(ThisWorkbook.BuiltinDocumentProperties("Creation Date"), "short date")
Range("A2").Value = Format(ThisWorkbook.BuiltinDocumentProperties("Last Save Time"), "short date")
End Sub
3. Press the F5 key to run the macro. By default, the created date and last modified date are inserted into cells A1 and A2, respectively—or as specified in your script.
You can edit the macro to output to other cells if needed; for example, change "A1" to "B1" or your preferred location. For best results, ensure you save your workbook as a macro-enabled file format (.xlsm). Also, macro security settings must allow macro execution; you may need to adjust settings under File > Options > Trust Center.
Insert last modified time of workbook in Excel
This macro writes only the last modified time to a chosen cell. The technique is suitable for highlighting when a report or form was last updated, especially in collaborative environments.
1. Open the VBA editor with ALT + F11.
2. Click Insert > Module and paste the below code into the module window.
Public Function ModDate()
ModDate = Format(FileDateTime(ThisWorkbook.FullName), "m/d/yy h:n ampm")
End Function
3. Save and close the code editor. Back in your worksheet, select a blank cell where you want the last modified time to display, type =ModDate(), and press Enter to populate the cell.
If the formula displays a numeric value instead of a date, simply format the cell as Date via Home > Number Format > Short Date or Long Date. Be aware that this VBA-based formula reflects the last saved time of the workbook file, and the value will only update when the file is reopened or recalculated.
Insert created time of workbook in Excel
Similar to the above method, you can also insert the workbook’s creation time using VBA:
1. Open VBA by pressing ALT + F11.
2. Insert a Module and paste the following code.
Function CreateDate() As Date
CreateDate = ActiveWorkbook.BuiltinDocumentProperties("Creation Date")
End Function
3. Save, exit the VBA editor, and in your worksheet, select a target cell, enter =CreateDate() and press Enter. The workbook’s creation date appears as shown below:
Note: If the cell does not display a proper date, switch its number format to Date. Also, be aware that both created time and last modified time reflect file system values on your device; if the file is copied to a different system, the creation timestamp may change accordingly.
When using VBA, always save a copy of your file before running macros in order to prevent accidental data loss. If an error arises, check the module for missing references or ensure that macro execution is enabled.
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