Document Editing Problems

How to Add Dates to Text Marked Before and After in Office

Emma Brown Oct 1, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to insert or append date information to text sections designated as "Before" and "After" within an Office document or template.

How to Add Dates to Text Marked Before and After in Office

Product: Microsoft Office / WPS Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Filling out a comparative document template, report, or form that requires timestamping specific text sections clearly marked as "Before" and "After".
Observed behavior: The user is unsure of the correct steps to accurately place and format date fields or text around specific markers in their document.

Before you start

Identify whether you are working with a standard text document or a restricted form template, as the method for inserting and editing dates will vary based on document permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Date and Time Feature for Standard Text

Quickly insert a formatted date right next to your "before" or "after" text labels using the built-in Insert feature.

If your document is a standard text file without editing restrictions, you can use the built-in Date & Time insertion tool. This allows you to place a static or auto-updating date exactly where your cursor is positioned.

Position the cursor

Click exactly where you want the date to appear, such as immediately following the "Before:" or "After:" text marker.

Navigate to the Insert tab

Look at the top ribbon menu of your word processor and click on the 'Insert' tab.

Select Date and Time

Find the 'Text' group on the ribbon and click on the 'Date and Time' icon.

Choose your format

In the dialog box that appears, select your preferred date format. Check the 'Update automatically' box if you want the date to change to the current day whenever the document is opened, then click 'OK'.

Use the Date and Time Feature for Standard Text

Tip for Alignment: Use the 'Tab' key instead of the spacebar between your text label and the inserted date to ensure both the 'Before' and 'After' dates align perfectly on the page.

Solution 2

Use a Date Picker Content Control for Templates

If you are creating a form or template, use Developer tools to add a clickable date picker next to your text markers.

Professional Document Editing

Easily Insert and Manage Dates with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a highly intuitive interface for document editing, making it simple to insert dates, manage templates, and align text exactly where you need it.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your text document or template in WPS Writer.
2. Place your cursor: Click right next to the text marked "Before" or "After".
3. Insert the date: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top menu and click the 'Date and Time' button.
4. Apply formatting: Choose how you want the date to look from the list, check the auto-update option if necessary, and click 'OK'.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx, .doc)Quick-insert features for dates, times, and special symbolsRich template library for comparative reports and formsFree and lightweight alternative to heavy office suites

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the date update automatically when I open the document?

You need to ensure the 'Update automatically' box was checked when you originally inserted the date field. To fix this, delete the current date, insert it again via the Insert tab, and make sure to check the update box before clicking OK.

How do I align the dates perfectly next to the 'before' and 'after' text?

The most reliable way is to insert a hidden table with two columns. Place your 'Before' and 'After' text labels in the left column and the inserted dates in the right column, then remove the table borders.

Can I insert dates if the document template is locked?

If the document is restricted or locked for editing by its creator, you can only enter dates if specific form fields or date picker controls were provided in those sections. Otherwise, you will need the password to unprotect the document first.

Document & File Issues