In Microsoft Word, WordPad, and other word processing or text programs, you can insert the date and time in various formats. Select an option in the list below and follow the instructions to insert the date and time in your document.

Insert date and time in Microsoft Word

  • Open Microsoft Word.

  • Place the text cursor where you want to insert the date and time.

  • Click the Insert tab in the Ribbon.

  • On the Insert tab, click the Date & Time option.

  • Select the date or time format you want to insert in the document. If you want to have this information automatically updated, you can check the Update automatically box.

  • Insert date and time in Microsoft Word.

  • Insert date and time in WordPad.

  • Insert date and time in other programs.

  • Once you’re done selecting the format, click OK to insert.

Insert date and time in WordPad

  • Open WordPad.
  • Place the text cursor where you want to insert the date and time.
  • On the Home tab, click the Date and time option.
  • Select the date or time format you want to insert in the document. If you want to insert the date and time, insert the date first, then insert the time second.

If you are working on a document that is frequently updated and printed, place the date and time in the document footer. Keeping an updated date and time on all printed copies help you keep track of the most recent hard copy.

Insert date and time in other programs

Other word processing and text programs may have a feature to insert the date and time in the document. If the feature is available, it’s often found on the Home or Insert tab, in the Edit or Insert menu, or the right-click context menu.

Some programs, like Notepad, provide only one or a few date and time format options for inserting in the document.

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