How to change the created date of a Word document

Why a Word document can have two created dates

The Created date in Finder belongs to the file on your disk. Word also keeps a Created property inside the document. These values can differ, especially after copying a file, downloading an attachment or restoring a document from another disk.

For example, a proposal written in March might show a June creation date in Finder after a transfer. Changing the Finder date alone leaves the property inside the Word document untouched. Start by checking which date you need to correct.

Change the Word created date with WordDate

1. Close the document in Word, then add the .docx or .doc file to WordDate.
2. Compare the Created dates under Finder and Word in the Current dates panel.
3. Enable Set dates separately. Set Created to the date and time you need, and set Modified / Last Saved and Last Printed to the values you want to retain.
4. Check After applying. Created must be on or before Modified. Review the optional custom date properties before continuing.
5. Select Save a copy or Update original, then choose Apply dates. WordDate checks the written document and Finder dates before publishing the output.

Leave Set dates separately off only when you want the same value for every supported date. That option also updates the modified and last printed properties; it does more than change the created date.

Check the document and the file

Select the saved file in Finder and choose Get Info to check its creation date. Re-add that same output file to WordDate to inspect the embedded Word property alongside it. Make sure you are checking the saved copy if you chose to keep the original.

A date typed into a paragraph, header or footer is document content. WordDate does not change that text or update date fields displayed on the page.

Which Word files are supported?

WordDate supports .docx and Word 97–2003 .doc files up to 256 MB. Encrypted or digitally signed documents are not supported. The current app build requires an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 14 or later.

Correcting metadata does not change comments, tracked changes or cloud version history. Saving again in Word can update date properties, and moving the finished file can affect its Finder timestamps.