How Do I Get the Date to Update Automatically in PowerPoint?

To get the date to update automatically in your PowerPoint presentation, you need to access the Header and Footer settings and configure the date and time options.

You can make the date update automatically in PowerPoint by accessing the Header and Footer settings and selecting the 'Update Automatically' option for the date and time.

Setting Up Automatic Date Updates in PowerPoint

Adding an automatically updating date ensures that your slides always display the current date whenever you open or print the presentation. This is particularly useful for documents that are frequently revised or presented over time.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Header and Footer Box: Navigate to the Insert tab in the PowerPoint ribbon and click on the Header & Footer option within the Text group. This action opens the Header and Footer dialog box.

2. Access Slide Options: In the Header and Footer box, click on the Slide tab. This tab contains options specifically for the date, time, slide number, and footers on the slides themselves (as opposed to notes and handouts).

3. Enable Date and Time: On the Slide tab, find and select the Date and time check box. Checking this box enables the display of the date and time on your slides.

4. Choose Automatic Update: Below the Date and time checkbox, you will see two options:

   • Update Automatically: This option ensures the date displayed on your slides updates to the current date and time whenever the presentation file is opened. Select this radio button to have the date update automatically.
   • Fixed: This option allows you to set a specific date and time that will remain constant, regardless of when the file is opened. This is useful if you need to display a specific date of creation or a deadline. If you choose Fixed, you will need to type the date and time that you want into the provided text box.

5. Select Date Format: If you selected Update Automatically, a dropdown list will become available. Click this list and choose the desired format for how the date and time will appear on your slides (e.g., "MM/DD/YYYY", "Day, Month DD, YYYY", "HH:MM AM/PM").

6. Apply to Slides:

   • Click the Apply button if you only want to apply the date setting to the currently selected slide.
   • Click the Apply to All button to apply the date setting to all slides in your presentation.

Once applied, the date will appear on your slides in the location defined by the presentation's theme or template, and it will update automatically each time you open the file.