How to Insert Dates into Microsoft Word Documents

We’ll show you 4 different ways

If you’re writing a document in Microsoft Word, you might want to include the date and time. For instance,writing a letter(by convention) usually requires inserting the date. You might want to add it for your requirements, showing when the document was created withoutrelying on Word to do it for you.

Thankfully, there are several ways to insert dates into your Word documents. You can insert the current date as plain text, as a field that updates automatically, or as a drop-down list. You can also use a keyboard shortcut to insert the date and time quickly.

We’ll show you how to use these four methods to insert dates into Microsoft Word documents below.

How to Insert the Current Date as Plain Text in Microsoft Word

One of the simplest ways to insert the current date into your Word document is to use theDate & Timebutton. This will insert the date as plain text, which means it won’t change or update unless you manually edit it.

To use this method, follow these steps.

How to Insert the Current Date as a Data Field that Updates Automatically in Word

If you want to insert the current date as a field that updates automatically whenever you open or print your document, you can use the sameDate & Timecommand. You’ll need to change how it works, however.

After you insert the dates into your Word document, you can format and customize them according to your needs. For example, you might want to change the date format, language, or style.

To format and customize the dates in Word, follow these steps.

How to Insert a Date in Word Using a Date Picker Drop-Down

Another way to insert a date into your Word document is to use a date picker drop-down field. This is a field type that allows you to choose a date from a calendar without relying on complex field codes.

This is useful if you want tocreate formsor templates that require inputting dates, for instance.

How to Insert the Date and Time Using a Keyboard Shortcut in Word

You can also use keyboard shortcuts in Word to help you quickly insert the date or time into your Word document. The information will be inserted directly where your blinking cursor is positioned—no extra steps are required.

You can combine these shortcuts to insert the date and time simultaneously. Make sure to leave a gap between them, however.

Using the Date and Time in Word Documents

Thanks to the steps above, you can quickly insert dates into Microsoft Word documents. Depending on your preferences, the information can be static or ready to change whenever you open your document.

Remember, however, that features like the Date Picker won’t work if youopen your Word document outside of Wordin a tool like Google Docs. If you want toconvert your Word document, you’ll need to insert your date and time as plain text to ensure that it converts properly.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing.Read Ben’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

How to Insert Dates into Microsoft Word Documents#

How to Insert the Current Date as Plain Text in Microsoft Word#

How to Insert the Current Date as a Data Field that Updates Automatically in Word#

How to Insert a Date in Word Using a Date Picker Drop-Down#

How to Insert the Date and Time Using a Keyboard Shortcut in Word#

Using the Date and Time in Word Documents#