Insert timestamp in Calc

[OOoops]

Any clues on how to insert (time stamp) the current date and time into a Calc cell?

The NOW() function will do it but the value is updated when you recalculate the document or each time a cell value is modified.

--marc

[Jim]

Construct your sheet so that the timestamp is properly calculated on opening, but use the TEXT() function like so:
=TEXT(NOW(); "mm/dd/yy hh:mm:ss") - or whatever format you want to use. This cell will be recalculated every time the sheet autocalculates, as you've found.

To fix the date, record a macro:

1) Select the cell containing the time stamp.
2) Choose Tools->Macros->Record macro
3) Choose Edit->Copy
4) Choose Edit->Paste Special...
5) Uncheck the boxes until only the "Strings" choice remains checked.
6) Click the "OK" button.
7) Go to the Macro window and click "Stop Recording"
8) Name the macro. e.g. "TimeStamp"

Test run the macro. Enter TEXT(NOW(); "hh:mm:ss") into a cell, say A1, and copy it. Paste it anywhere on the sheet, e.g. D1. Leave that cell selected. Choose Tools->Macros->Run, and select your TimeStamp macro. D1 should show the previous time stamp, and A1 should show the time at which you executed the macro.

After you've assured that the macro works as expected, assign it to a key shortcut. You can then just open your template, select the timestamped cell, and hit your shortcut key to fix the time and date.

Read up on macros on the OOo forum to find out about how Neo catalogs and makes macros available. It's not intuitive, so don't skip this.

[Lorinda]

I've added this tip to the "New Articles Needed" page of the wiki.

Lorinda

[hi_RAM]

Jim,

Many thanks for the tip

[OOoops]

Thanks Jim,

It works.
(Until your reply, I was unsuccessful in fiddling with a QuickSilver trigger to insert date and time via the Services menu.)

Thanks very much, Marc