Formatting Issues

How to Add the Current Print Date to an Excel Footer

Ayan Masood Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to add a dynamic print date to the footer of an Excel worksheet so that the current date appears when the document is printed.

How to Add the Current Print Date to an Excel Footer

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Preparing an Excel spreadsheet for printing or distribution and needing the current date to appear automatically at the bottom of the printed pages.
Observed behavior: The user is looking for the correct menu navigation and tools to insert a self-updating date field into the worksheet's footer section.

Before you start

Ensure your worksheet layout is finalized for printing, and decide whether you want the date to appear in the left, center, or right section of the footer.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert the Current Date via Page Layout View

Switching to Page Layout view is the most direct visual method to access and edit header and footer sections.

Page Layout view allows you to see exactly how your printed page will look, making it incredibly easy to click into the footer sections and add dynamic elements like the current date.

Switch to Page Layout View

Click on the 'View' tab in the top ribbon and select 'Page Layout' in the Workbook Views group.

Select a Footer Section

Scroll down to the bottom of your worksheet page and click on the left, center, or right section of the footer area, depending on where you want the date to appear.

Insert the Current Date

Once you click inside the footer, the 'Header & Footer' tab will appear on the ribbon. Click on this tab, then select 'Current Date' from the Header & Footer Elements group.

Apply and View

A code that looks like &[Date] will appear in the footer. Simply click anywhere outside the footer area into a regular cell to see the code transform into the actual current date.

Insert the Current Date via Page Layout View

Formatting Tip: You can add static text before the date to provide context. For example, type 'Printed on: ' right before the &[Date] code in the footer section.

Solution 2

Add Current Date via the Insert Menu

You can also access the header and footer settings directly through the Insert tab without changing your view mode manually first.

WPS Spreadsheet Solution

Easily Manage Headers and Footers in WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet provides a highly compatible and intuitive interface for adding dynamic elements like the current print date to your headers and footers, completely free of charge.

1. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your spreadsheet file.
2. Access Header and Footer: Go to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon and click on 'Header and Footer'.
3. Choose Custom Footer: In the dialog box that appears, select the 'Custom Footer' option to customize your layout.
4. Insert the Date: Click inside the Left, Center, or Right section, then click the 'Insert Date' icon (calendar symbol) and click 'OK'.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formats.Easily insert dynamic dates, times, and page numbers into headers and footers.Intuitive Page Layout view makes formatting for printing a breeze.Free, lightweight, and fast to launch on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the date update automatically when I print the document tomorrow?

Yes, by inserting the 'Current Date' element (which appears as the &[Date] code), Excel dynamically pulls the current system date from your computer every time the worksheet is printed, previewed, or opened.

Can I add the current time alongside the print date?

Yes. While in the footer section, you can click 'Current Time' from the Header & Footer Elements group right next to the 'Current Date' button. This will insert the &[Time] code. Be sure to add a space between the two codes so they don't run together.

How do I change the format of the date added to the footer?

The date format in the header or footer (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs DD/MM/YYYY) is determined by your computer's regional system settings, not by Excel itself. You can, however, format the text size, color, and font by highlighting the &[Date] code and using the tools on the Home tab.

Why do I only see the text '&[Date]' instead of the actual date?

The text '&[Date]' is the dynamic placeholder code Excel uses while you are actively editing the footer section. To see the actual date, simply click your mouse anywhere on a regular cell outside of the header or footer area.

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