How to change the modified date of a Word document

Modified and Last Saved: what are you changing?

Finder reports when the file on your disk was modified. Word stores a separate date property inside .docx and .doc documents, often described as Modified or Last Saved. Different tools can display different values because they read different locations.

If you are correcting a timestamp after an export or file transfer, compare both values first. A filename containing a date, or a date printed in a document footer, is separate from either property.

Set a new modified date on Mac

1. Save any unfinished edits and close the file in Word.
2. Add the document to WordDate and check the Finder and Word rows under Current dates.
3. Turn on Set dates separately. Choose the required Modified / Last Saved date and time.
4. Set Created and Last Printed to the values you want to keep. If the existing Finder and Word dates differ, inspect the preview: WordDate applies the selected value to both locations.
5. Review custom date properties. When enabled, those extra properties use your chosen modified date.
6. Select Save a copy or Update original and click Apply dates. Re-add the output to verify the result.

Keep the date sequence consistent

The created date must be on or before the modified date. If you need a modified date earlier than the current creation date, decide what the correct creation date should be before saving.

For a single document, separate controls let you choose Created, Modified / Last Saved and Last Printed. Batch mode instead applies one chosen date to all supported date properties in each file. Use the single-file view when those properties need different values.

Why the modified date can change again

Saving the document in Word again may write a fresh modified date. File transfers, cloud services and different disks can also change the Finder timestamp independently. Finish your content edits before adjusting date properties, then verify the copy you intend to use.

Replacing a date does not remove the property or erase editing history. WordDate retains document text, layout, comments and tracked changes. If you need to remove metadata for sharing, read the separate removal guide.