If you need to insert the date in your documents, save time by using these shortcuts instead of typing.
Insert As You Type
As you type the date in your document, Tooltips appear that predict what you’re going to type. Press Enter to accept the suggestion. For example, as you start typing “Janu”, Word suggests “January,” and you press Enter to insert it. If you keep typing the rest of the date, it may offer to autofill in the day and the year as well.
Insert Today’s Date and Time
Click on the document where you want to put the date. Go to the INSERT RIBBON, and choose DATE AND TIME on the far right. Select how the date should look. To always use this style, click the SET AS DEFAULT button.
Use a Keyboard Shortcut
You can also insert the date with the keystroke ALT-SHIFT-D. This inserts the date as a field — click on it to see the field container. To change the format, use the instructions above to change the Default style, and reinsert the field. The field maintains the original date. Click on the UPDATE button to change it to today’s date.
Buy the Book
For the complete collection of time-saving tips and tricks, buy my book, Microsoft Word 2010 Tips & Tricks. Available in eBook, iBook, Multi-touch, and paperback versions.
