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How to Check How Long a Word Document Was Edited
Question details
The user wants to know if and how they can view the total time spent editing a Microsoft Word document, particularly across different devices like iPad, Windows, and Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- iOS, Windows, Mac
- Scenario
- Verifying or tracking the amount of time spent working on a school assignment or professional document.
- Observed behavior
- Word for iPad does not show editing duration, but the desktop versions of Word for Windows and Mac display total editing time in the file properties.
Keep in mind that the 'Total Editing Time' property in Word only tracks the time the document is open and actively being edited in the desktop application; it may behave unreliably if the file was heavily edited on a mobile device or copied from another location.
View Total Editing Time in Word for Windows or Mac
Since Word for iPad does not support time tracking, you must open the document on a desktop version of Word to check the editing duration.
The desktop versions of Microsoft Word keep a metadata record of how long a file has been actively open for editing. However, this metric may not perfectly reflect actual work time if the document was left open idly or duplicated.
Transfer your document from your iPad to a Windows PC or a Mac, and open the file using the desktop version of Microsoft Word.
Click on the 'File' tab located in the top-left corner of the ribbon menu.
Select 'Info' from the left-hand pane menu (on Mac, click 'File' > 'Properties').
Look at the 'Properties' column on the right side of the screen. You will find the 'Total Editing Time' metric listed in minutes.
Use Alternative Time Tracking for iPad
Because Word for iOS lacks built-in time tracking, you will need a different approach if you exclusively use an iPad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my total editing time say 0 minutes?
This usually happens if the document was created in a different application, copied from another file, or if it was edited entirely on a mobile device or web browser that doesn't track this specific metadata.
Does Word track editing time when the computer is asleep?
No, Word typically stops counting the editing time if the computer goes to sleep or if the document is left open in the background without any active interactions for a prolonged period.
Can I reset the total editing time in Word?
You cannot directly reset the timer in the original document's properties. However, if you copy all the text and paste it into a brand new, blank document, the new file will start with a fresh total editing time of zero.
Is editing time tracked in Word Online?
No, Word for the Web (Word Online) does not accurately track or display the total editing time. You must open the document in the full desktop version of Word for Windows or Mac to capture and view this property.
