Frequently asked questions - Writer

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    How do I insert the current date in the footer of my document?

    Follow these steps:

    • insert a footer (if you have not already done so) by selecting Insert ▸ Header and Fotter ▸ Footer ▸ Default style (or the name of the Page style in use);
    • with the cursor positioned in the footer, optionally insert either one or two tabs to move from the left to the middle or the right of the footer; and
    • select the Insert ▸ Field ▸ Date menu.

    By default the date is fixed to that of the day you insert the field. To get the date updated or change its format:

    • double click the date field;
    • choose whether to keep a fixed date (Date (fixed)), or to have it updated when fields are updated (Date);
    • choose the format of the date, and its offset in days (positive or negative); and
    • validate with OK.

    More specific dates are available:

    • select the Insert ▸ Field ▸ More fields menu (Ctrl + F2);
    • select DocInformation tab;
    • to retrieve:
      • the date the document was created, select Created;[1]
      • the date the document was last modified, select Modified>;[1]
      • the date the document was last printed, select Last Print;[1]
    • in the Select list, select Date
    • in the Format list, select the format you want to use;
    • to get the field value fixed, check Fixed content, otherwise the field could be modified during an update;
    • click Insert; and
    • click Close.

    * If the information does not exist (if the file has not yet been saved or has not yet been printed) the field stays empty and nothing is visible.

    Note pin.svg

    Note:

    • if instead of the date, the name of the field is displayed, unckeck the View ▸ Field names menu (Ctrl + F9); and
    • to know how the fields are updated, see the Help Fields ; Automatic update. You can also force the update through the Tools ▸ Update ▸ Fields menu (F9).

    Footnote

    1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 If the information does not exist (if the file has not yet been saved or has not yet been printed) the field stays empty and nothing is visible.