Default Header Date Format

Question

The language of my word is all set to English (UK) but when I insert a header the date format is English (US) meaning my date formatting is incorrect and no matter what I do it keeps reverting back to English (US). This is becoming extremely frustrating to have it constantly reverting back every time I close the header or if it doesn't do it when I close the header it will do it once I close and reopen the document even if it has been saved.

Answer 1

If the date in the header should be displaying the current date each time, it will be a field code, and the date format displayed will be managed by a date-time picture switch. You can edit it to display it the way you prefer.

To edit the switch, right-click within the date and choose "Toggle Field Codes" (or press Shift-F9) to toggle from the result view to see the field code and the switch in effect. It will look something like this:
{ DATE @ "MMM d yyyy" } (this date format pattern would display "Mar 26, 2022" for today's date).

To display as 26 March 2022, edit the date format string to "d MMMM yyyy". To display as Saturday, 03/26/22, use "dddd, MM/dd/yy". If you used "YYYY-mm-dd", the date would display as 2022-03-26.

Finding details about the Date-Time Picture field code switch on Microsoft support pages is frustratingly difficult; instead refer to this description.

Answer 2

The issue occurs in all word documents I create not just the one specific document. The language and date and time are set to UK in my system settings and if I insert today's date into a word document in any place other than a header it is in the correct UK format. I tried in a PowerPoint document and it doesn't occur for dates that automatically update but does for dates that are fixed. I am currently using MacOS 12.1 Monterey and I am using Word version 16.58 with an office 365 subscription.

Answer 3

Hi Eden French,

First, my pleasure to assist you.

As per your description, please don’t worry, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation.

May I know does issue happened do specific Word document? If the issue happens to all Word files including a new created one, the issue is more related to the Office app itself or your Mac OS environment.                                      

Please make sure you have desired set up for Date & Time in OS X System Preferences. Also, if you insert a today date in your Word document does it show correct format? it will help for us to narrow down your issue.

Meanwhile, to narrow down your issue, please tell us more information below to let us help you:

1. Confirm whether other applications also get the same problem.

2. The version of Mac OS and Office 

Find out which macOS your Mac is using

About Office: What version of Office am I using?

I appreciate your understanding and stay safe!!

Best regards

Waqas Muhammad