veropcnet
Level 1 (44 points)
Applications

Q: insert date appleworks spreadsheet


I use Appleworks 6 for Windows...Still. I have an old spreadsheet that I would like to enter today's date in a cell each time it is opened. Can someone tell me please how to do this? I used to have an Appleworks 6 book years ago that I always used as reference but I can't find it. I know its something simple, but all I end up getting is the equation in the cell when I try to insert the date function.

 

I now use a windows computer with Appleworks 6.2.2.

 

Thanks

Posted on May 11, 2016 5:08 PM

by Barry,Apple recommended
Barry Barry
Level 7 (32,271 points)
A:

Hi V,

You can place the formula below in a cell on the table. It may not update each time the document in opened, but will update each time the spreadsheet is recalculated. If you want a date that will remain fixed for this session, copy the formula result, then select a different cell and go Edit>Paste special...Paste Values only (OK).

 

Keep both cells on the spreadsheet, so that you don't have to reenter the formula each time. Add a third cell to warn you when the fixed date is no longer 'today'.

 

Example (done with AW for Mac, but on a different machine, so no images):

 

A1 contains Fixed date, B1 contains formula to calculate current date, C1 contains warning message.

 

B1: =DATETOTEXT(NOW(),1)

The 1 determines the format of the date displayed. 1 is 'May 20, 2016' Try others if this is not suitable.

 

With today's date displayed:

  • Select and Copy cell B1
  • Select cell A1
  • Go Edit (menu) > Paste Special...>Paste Values (OK)

 

C1: =IF(A1=B1,"","NEW DATE!")

 

With C1 selected:

  • Go Format (menu) > Text color > choose a bright colour for the alarm.

 

When the document is next opened (on a different day), the first recalculation should result in NEW DATE! being displayed (in bright red?) in cell C1. Repeat the three bulleted steps to copy the new date from B1 into A1.

 

Regards,

Barry

Posted on May 20, 2016 3:47 PM

Close
veropcnet

Q: insert date appleworks spreadsheet

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Barry,Apple recommended

    Barry Barry May 20, 2016 3:47 PM in response to veropcnet
    Level 7 (32,271 points)
    May 20, 2016 3:47 PM in response to veropcnet

    Hi V,

    You can place the formula below in a cell on the table. It may not update each time the document in opened, but will update each time the spreadsheet is recalculated. If you want a date that will remain fixed for this session, copy the formula result, then select a different cell and go Edit>Paste special...Paste Values only (OK).

     

    Keep both cells on the spreadsheet, so that you don't have to reenter the formula each time. Add a third cell to warn you when the fixed date is no longer 'today'.

     

    Example (done with AW for Mac, but on a different machine, so no images):

     

    A1 contains Fixed date, B1 contains formula to calculate current date, C1 contains warning message.

     

    B1: =DATETOTEXT(NOW(),1)

    The 1 determines the format of the date displayed. 1 is 'May 20, 2016' Try others if this is not suitable.

     

    With today's date displayed:

    • Select and Copy cell B1
    • Select cell A1
    • Go Edit (menu) > Paste Special...>Paste Values (OK)

     

    C1: =IF(A1=B1,"","NEW DATE!")

     

    With C1 selected:

    • Go Format (menu) > Text color > choose a bright colour for the alarm.

     

    When the document is next opened (on a different day), the first recalculation should result in NEW DATE! being displayed (in bright red?) in cell C1. Repeat the three bulleted steps to copy the new date from B1 into A1.

     

    Regards,

    Barry