Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 30, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Undoubtedly, the time will arise when you need to insert the current date or time in your document. This may be in the introduction of a letter or in a header or footer. Word allows you to quickly insert the date or time in several different formats. This information is inserted as a field which can be updated manually or is updated automatically when you print the document.
To insert the date or time into your document, follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Date and Time dialog box.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (10513) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Inserting the Date and Time.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
When using Word's editing tools, you may notice some extraneous spaces left where you don't want them. This tip addresses ...
Discover MoreThe AutoCorrect feature of Word will automatically capitalize the first letter of sentences as you type, unless the ...
Discover MoreWhen you need to perform certain editing tasks over and over again, you start to look for ways to make your work faster ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2021-11-02 16:20:29
Just_Sayin'
Overkill, when all you have to do is have Word record the macro while you do the action, and Word even lets you assign it to a keystroke while you create it?!
2021-11-01 13:32:32
Just_Askin'
In Excel, the very useful shortcut ctrl-; inserts the current date into the current cell. I'm currently writing a journal in Word which requires a date before each entry. Is there any existing shortcut in Word to perform this short of creating a macro and assigning a key-stroke to it? That would seem like overkill.
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments