How to Automatically Insert Document Creation Month in Word Templates
Question details
The user wants to configure a Word template to automatically display the exact month a new document is created, ensuring the month remains fixed and doesn't update when the file is opened later.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a reusable document template that permanently logs the month of document generation.
- Observed behavior
- The goal is to implement a dynamic date field that locks to the creation date rather than updating to the current system date during future edits.
Ensure you have access to the headers, footers, or main body of your Word template file (.dotx), and that your system keyboard has function keys enabled to insert field codes.
Use the CREATEDATE Field Code
Insert a CREATEDATE field with a specific month formatting switch. This field permanently records the creation date of a document generated from a template.
Unlike the standard DATE or TIME fields which update to the current date every time you open or print a document, the CREATEDATE field specifically references the metadata of when the document was initially created. By applying the "MMMM" switch, it will exclusively display the full name of the month.
Click where you want the month to appear in your document (e.g., inside the header or footer). Press 'Ctrl + F9' on Windows or 'Cmd + F9' on Mac to insert a pair of blank field brackets { }.
Inside the brackets, type the field code and format switch exactly as follows: CREATEDATE \@ "MMMM"
Right-click the newly typed field code { CREATEDATE \@ "MMMM" } and select 'Update Field', or simply press 'F9'. The field will now display the current month.
Go to 'File' > 'Save As' and choose 'Word Template (*.dotx)' as the file format. Whenever a new document is created from this template, the month will lock to that specific creation time.
Easily Manage Templates and Date Fields in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers full support for advanced document fields and templates, allowing you to seamlessly set up dynamic creation dates just like in Microsoft Word.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your document template.
- 2. Navigate to the Insert Tab: Click on 'Insert' in the top ribbon menu, then click on 'Field'.
- 3. Select CreateDate: In the Field dialog box, select 'Date and Time' under the Categories list, then choose 'CreateDate' from the Field names list.
- 4. Format and Insert: Click on 'Options' or modify the field code at the bottom to include the \@ "MMMM" format switch, then click 'OK' to insert it into your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my date field change to today's date every time I open the document?
You likely used the standard DATE or TIME field, which automatically updates to the current system date whenever a file is opened, refreshed, or printed. To lock the date to when the document was first created, you must use the CREATEDATE field instead.
Can I show both the month and the year using the CREATEDATE field?
Yes. You can modify the formatting switch within the field code. For example, using { CREATEDATE \@ "MMMM YYYY" } will display both the full month name and the four-digit year (e.g., January 2024).
How do I edit an existing field code in Word if it only shows the month text?
Press 'Alt + F9' (or 'Option + F9' on Mac) to toggle the display of field codes in your document. This reveals the bracketed code. You can then edit the text inside the brackets and press 'Alt + F9' again to hide the codes, followed by 'F9' to update the field's display.
