When creating and managing documents in Microsoft Word, the ability to insert the current date and time is particularly important. This feature not only ensures the accuracy of the records and the authenticity of the documents but also, with an auto-updating timestamp, reflects the most current information every time the document is opened or printed. The following guide will detail how to insert the current date and time, created date, and last saved date… in Word documents.

Insert current date and time in Word document

• By using shortcut keys
• By using Date & time option
• By using a formula field

Insert current date and time in header or footer

Insert a specific type of date field (Create date, Save date, Print date)

Video: Quickly insert current date and time in Word

Insert current date and time in Word document

Whether you are working on business documents, personal letters, or academic papers, understanding how to automatically insert and update the date and time can enhance your productivity and ensure your documents are up-to-date. This section will guide you through several methods to insert the current date and time in Word, including keyboard shortcuts, using the ribbon, and formula field.

Insert current date and time by using shortcut keys

For those who prefer keyboard shortcuts for speed and convenience, Microsoft Word provides quick key combinations. The following shortcuts for inserting the date or time create dynamic fields that update automatically whenever the document is reopened.

● To insert the current date:

Press Alt + Shift + D keys. （Press the Alt key and the Shift key simultaneously, and then press the D key.）To update the date manually, click Update or press F9 key.

● To insert the current time:

Press Alt + Shift + T keys. （Press the Alt key and the Shift key simultaneously, and then press the T key.）To update the time, select the field and press F9 key.

Insert current date and time by using Date & time option

If you prefer using the graphical interface, the ribbon in Word offers an easy way to insert the date and time.

1. Place your cursor where you want to insert the date or time.
2. Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon. And then in the Text group, click on Date & Time, see screenshot:
   
3. In the Date and Time dialog box:
   1. Select the desired date and time format from the Available format list box. (You can choose from a variety of formats, including those that display the date, the time, or both.)
   2. Check the Update automatically check box as you need. (When not selected, the date is inserted as static text and does not change. If selected, the date or time becomes a dynamic field that automatically updates to the current date or time each time the document is opened.)
   3. Then, click OK button.
      

Now, the date and time will be inserted in the location you specified.

Insert current date and time by using a formula field

For advanced users who require dynamic date or time based on specific conditions or need to perform calculations, using formula fields is ideal.

1. Place your cursor where you want the date or time to appear.
2. Press Ctrl + F9 to insert a brace, which is necessary for entering formula fields. You will see { } appear, indicating that you are in a field code. See screenshot:
   
3. Inside the curly brackets, type the following codes you need:
   • To insert the current date:
     DATE \@ "dd-MMM-yyyy"
   • To insert the current time:
     TIME \@ "hh:mm:ss"
   • To insert the current date and time:
     DATE \@ "dd-MMM-yyyy hh:mm:ss am/pm"
     
4. Once you’ve entered the code, press F9 key to update the field and display the date or time.
   

Insert current date and time in header or footer

Another method is to add the current date to the header or footer of your Word document. This ensures that the date is displayed on every page, whether at the top or the bottom. Here are the steps to successfully insert the current date into the header or footer of your document:

1. Open your Word document where you want to insert the current date or time into the header or footer.
2. Navigate to the Insert tab on the Ribbon. Click on Header or Footer, then select Edit Header or Edit Footer, see screenshot:
   
3. With the header or footer section open, position your cursor where you want the date or time to appear. Under the Header & Footer tab, click Date & Time, see screenshot:
   
4. In the Date and Time dialog box:
   1. Select a format that suits your document’s needs. (You can choose from a variety of formats, including those that display the date, the time, or both.)
   2. Check the Update Automatically box as you need. (When not selected, the date is inserted as static text and does not change. If selected, the date or time becomes a dynamic field that automatically updates to the current date or time each time the document is opened.)
   3. At last, click OK button.
      
5. After inserting and formatting the date and time, double-click outside the header or footer area to close it.
   

Insert a specific type of date field (Create date, Save date, Print date)

Incorporating specific date fields like the creation date, save date, and print date into your Word documents can significantly improve document management by providing clear, automatic updates on document history. This section will provide a comprehensive overview of how to insert these specific date fields into your Word documents.

1. Place your cursor where you want to insert the date. Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon, then click on Quick Parts > Field. See screenshot:
   
2. In the Field dialog box, please do the following operations:
   1. In the Categories drop down, select Date and Time option.
   2. In the Field name list box, choose the type to date you want to insert.
   3. Then, choose the desired date format from the Date formats options.
   4. At last, click OK Button.
      
3. The specific type of date will be inserted at once.
   • Create Date: Insert the date the document was originally created.
   • Save Date: Insert the date the document was last saved. The date updates each time when the document is saved.
   • Print Date: Insert the date the document was printed. This date updates each time the document is printed.

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